Ferrari

Vettel: 'You could say my Formula 1 career began in Turkey'

Vettel arrives in Turkey after another no-score at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Ewan Gale

Thursday 12 November 2020 08:35

Sebastian Vettel is excited to return to the track he credits as the place his Formula 1 career began in 2006.

This weekend F1 will race in Turkey for the first time since 2011, a race in which Vettel was victorious.

However, the German has been far from his race winning best this season, and has banked just two-points from the past seven race while his Ferrari team-mate, Charles Leclerc, has scored 40 in the same period.

Article continues under video

"I am happy to be going back to Istanbul Park, a circuit that holds many happy memories and some less so," Vettel said.

"For example, you could say my Formula 1 career began here in 2006, as I made the headlines setting the fastest time in what was my first Friday free practice session appearance with BMW Sauber. And I also won here in 2011, the last time we came to Turkey."

At the time of his BMW outing, Vettel became the youngest driver ever to take part in an official F1 session aged just 19 years and 53 days.

He added: "It’s a very interesting track which is very nice to drive. There are several changes of elevation that are much more severe than they appear on television, as well as some very exciting sections.

"Of course, that includes turn eight with its three apexes, but actually, from a technical point of view, this track has a bit of everything. And I think that those drivers who have never been here before will also like it right from the start."

Team-mate Charles Leclerc, who is yet to race at the circuit in any category, highlighted turn eight as his point of intrigue given the performance of this year's F1 cars.

The Monégasque revealed the feedback he has received from others who have raced at the venue before has added to expectations.

"This will be my first time at Istanbul Park," he added. "I’ve watched a few videos of races and I’ve spoken to those who have raced there already and all the comments seem positive.

"I can see the layout is very varied, with gradient changes and some spectacular corners. I am particularly looking forward to experiencing turn eight. It will be interesting to see how the current cars perform there, which will be something new for everyone."

Before you go...

F1 should focus on street racing and old tracks – Magnussen

Mercedes will "finish the season in style" promises Wolff