Istanbul Racing Circuit

The Istanbul Racing Circuit, also known as Istanbul Otodrom or Istanbul Park (Turkish: İstanbul Park), is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey, close to the junction of Kurtkoy on the north side of TEM Motorway, linking Istanbul to Ankara; it is adjacent to the newly constructed Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Surrounded by pristine forest and green, cultivated fields, the circuit is the venue of the Turkish Grand Prix from August 21, 2005.

Related Topics:
Turkish - Asia - Istanbul - Turkey - Ankara - Sabiha Gökçen International Airport - Turkish Grand Prix - August 21 - 2005

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The circuit, covering over 2.215 million m2, runs counter-clockwise (only three tracks of the 2005 Formula One season (including Turkey) actually go counter-clockwise) at 5,340 m long, with an average width of 15 m ranging between 12.5 and 21.5 m. There are a total of 14 curves (six right turns and eight left), the sharpest having a radius of merely 15 m. With a start / finish straight over 650 m in length, the circuit runs over four different ground levels. The maximum attainable speed is expected to be 320.5 km/h (199.2 mph) by modern F1 cars. The total race distance will be 309.720 km over 57 laps.

Related Topics:
Counter-clockwise - M - Radius - Modern F1 cars

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The main grandstand will have a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators. In addition, natural ground stands and temporary stands will provide a total capacity of over 155,000. The paddock buildings are two-level structures; the ground floor reserved for F1 teams, the upper floor serving as hospitality areas, with an additional viewing capacity of 5,000 seats. At each end of the paddock, there are two 7-story VIP towers.

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The circuit and its facilities were designed by the famous racetrack architect Hermann Tilke, who said he designed the track to try to catch the drivers out http://www.formula1.com/race/news/3464/745.html. The inaugural Turkish Grand Prix certainly caught the drivers out, with many drivers spinning off throughout the weekend.

Related Topics:
Racetrack - Architect - Hermann Tilke - Turkish Grand Prix

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Turn 8 particularly caught the imagination. The corner is a fast, sweeping corner with four apexes. Many drivers lost control during or just after Turn 8 over the weekend. Spectators and drivers alike raved about Turn 8, comparing it to legendary corners such as Eau Rouge and 130R. The circuit itself has already been compared to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

Related Topics:
Eau Rouge - 130R - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

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The circuit is not, however, without its critics. After qualifying for the 2005 Turkish Grand Prix, Jenson Button claimed that the track was getting bumpier as the weekend went on, particularly at Turn 8, which was what caused so many drivers to spin off. This harks back to another circuit designed by Hermann Tilke, Sepang International Circuit, which is said to be sinking in places due to the fact that it was built on the site of a former swamp. Jarno Trulli was notable for his lukewarm feeling towards the circuit, saying that he felt the circuit was easy to learn, and that good performance was down more to the car than the driver http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=33874.

Related Topics:
2005 Turkish Grand Prix - Jenson Button - Sepang International Circuit - Jarno Trulli

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The circuit has already hosted FIA WTCC,FIA GP, FIA GP2, DTM races. Upcoming races include MotoGP and Le Mans 1000 km.

Related Topics:
FIA - WTCC - FIA GP - FIA GP2 - DTM - MotoGP - Le Mans

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