McLaren Fans Track Preview

Round 12- Istanbul-Turkey.

History of the circuit.

The Turkish Grand Prix In Istanbul is the newest track currently on the formula one calendar. The two year old Istanbul park was designed by circuit designer Herman Tilk, the circuit challenges the drivers throughout the lap, the circuit is also home to the infamous turn 8.

The maiden Turkish grand prix was held back in 2005, in which current Ferrari star Kimi Räikkönen won the 57 lap race ahead of Giancarlo Fisichella.

The 2006 Turkish grand prix featured an exciting race, which had a multi car pile up at the first corner, which eliminated Kimi Räikkönen from the race, in weeks and months after the race, the greatness of the race was overshadowed by formula ones dark side… politics.

The reason why formula one politics was forced to intervene after the event was because of who presented the winners trophy at the event. the winner's trophy was presented by Mehmet Ali Talat, who was introduced to the audience as president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is a state only recognized by Turkey. The punishment for this was a fine of $5 million.

Since then the charges on the circuit’s owners were dropped, with the owners only having to pay a small amount of the original fine. Since then, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has bought the circuit, Bernie quoting the track as the best track on the F1 calendar.

Characteristics of the circuit.

The circuit features medium to high speed turns, something that will undoubtedly favor this years Ferrari F2007, which will make a McLaren win all that more difficult.

Current reigning world champion and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Fernando Alonso achieved a staggering minimum speed of 165mph (265.54kmh) through the well known turn 8 corner.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton finished on the podium in last years GP2 race despite starting the race in 8^th position Lewis then had the misfortune of spinning on the first lap. The spin caused Lewis to rejoin the track at the pack of the pack.

Istanbul Park Facts

The Istanbul park is not only challenging on the cars, but also the drivers, the infamous turn 8 makes the drivers experience 5g for seven seconds, that’s five times their own body weight. For example Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso (both weighing 68kg each) would feel like they weighed a massive 340kg each! 272kg more than normal at 1g.

Circuit Map

Circuit key

Last years top 8 results.

Image and Key copyright FIA

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