Istanbul Park: A Track Walk for the Exciting Turkish F1 Grand Prix Circuit

Formula 1 is all set to return to Turkey after a nine-year absence for the Turkish Grand Prix on November 15. Everyone, from fans to drivers, is excited to see the return of F1 action to Istanbul Park.

Although this circuit has only hosted 7 races in the past, it is known to be one of the most entertaining circuits. For those who haven’t had the pleasure of watching an F1 race here, here’s is the lowdown of the Istanbul Park circuit.

History of the Turkish Grand Prix circuit

The Istanbul Park circuit is one of three circuits on the F1 calendar this year that operates in an anti-clockwise direction. It was built by the legendary F1 track developer, Hermann Tilke and hosted its first F1 race in 2005.

The circuit spans 5.338 kilometers in length and drivers will cover a total of  309.396 kilometers on race day (58 laps). One of the defining features of this circuit is its elevation changes. These vary to the tune of 46 meters each lap.

A lap around Istanbul Park circuit

There are a total of 14 corners that drivers will negotiate on the circuit. Additionally, there are two DRS zones between turn 8-9 and turn 13-14.

Turn 1 itself is an interesting one. After lighting their tires up on the short starting straight, they will have to negotiate a sharp downward-sloping left hander. A turn in the manner of a corkscrew.

Turn 2 is a sweeping high paced right hander that leads to an S chicane (turn 3 and 4). Turns 5 and 6 are slow corners and it can be difficult to change direction well, in order to ace a lap.

There is a short straight following that leads into an almost looping turn 7. Drivers will then come to the most exciting yet trickiest turn to navigate. The iconic Turn 8. This turn has been the sight for many a spin out thanks to its multiple apexes (four) that have to be navigated at full-throttle.

After a long straight drivers come into the slower Turn 9. Following this, we have Turn 10 that leads to a medium-sized straight into turn 11. Turn 11 is more of an uphill kink and has been likened to ‘Eau Rouge’ is Spa.

Following the long back straight, Turn 12, 13 and 14 are all slow corners that come one after the other. Then, the drivers get on to the home straight with the finish line coming up soon thereafter.

All early indications point out to a really fun and thrilling race for drivers and well as fans. Let’s hope the circuit lives up to its hype.

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