Formula 1 Grand Prix 2010 Istanbul
 
 

     Turkey holds its 2nd GP in the Formula One calendar in 2010. The spectacular 5.378 kilometre track is designed by famed German architect Herman Tilke, the man behind Sepang, Bahrain and Shanghai, and features 14 turns – eight lefts and six rights – with the cars expected to reach speeds of up to 320 kph.

     The Istanbul Racing Circuit is located on the Asian side of Istanbul approximately 90 kms from the centre of Istanbul, 6 km from the junction of Kurtkoy on the north side of TEM Motorway, linking Istanbul to Ankara. The site is located within a green belt surrounded by forest and cultivated green fields.

     An unusual feature of the venue is that the lap will run anti-clockwise, making the Turkish Grand Prix only the third race on the calendar to do so (San Marino and Brazil are the other two). It possesses a wide variety of corners, and while perhaps not as technical as, say, Shanghai, it should definitely provide the drivers with real challenge, especially given the reduced downforce available in 2005.

     The character of the circuit should be further enhanced by plenty of gradients – the track is built on four different ground levels. There look to be fewer obvious overtaking opportunities than at some other Tilke circuits – it doesn't feature the long straights followed by tight hairpins that characterise the likes of Sepang and Shanghai – but no doubt the drivers will find plenty of their own once they get used to the track.

     As you'd expect from a new venue, spectator facilities are impressive. Seating capacity is 155,000, with 25,000 of those in the main grandstand, and parking for 20,000 cars. Dominating the circuit's skyline will be two seven-floor VIP towers built at either end of the paddock.
 

2010 Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix Timetable
 

Let's Go Travel 2010 Istanbul Formula 1 Tours