What can Formula 1 expect on the return to Turkey?

Turkish Grand Prix

What can Formula 1 expect on the return to Turkey?

Istanbul Park is on the calendar for the first time since 2011

Ewan Gale

Thursday 12 November 2020 17:43 Updated: 17:48

Formula 1 makes its return to Istanbul Park this weekend for the first Turkish Grand Prix since 2011.

In the race's short original seven-year stint on the calendar, the sport was treated to incredible overtaking and unbelievable drama.

Who can forget the two Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber colliding in 2010 whilst battling for the lead with the two McLarens of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button?

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The race will be the fourth 'new' circuit in a row on this year's calendar following the successes of the return to the Nürburgring and Imola and the showcase of Portimão in Portugal.

For those new to the sport and unfamiliar with the Hermann Tilke-designed circuit or for those who want a refresher, here is what we can expect from Istanbul Park.

The circuit

The only change made to the circuit since the F1 circus last visited is the track surface, which is fresh for the return of the sport.

The lap itself is one of the best in modern times. Natural undulation, overtaking opportunities aplenty and, of course, turn eight.

The 5.338km anti-clockwise layout will be a challenge for the drivers as they tackle the eight left-handers and six right turns.

Turn one does not present the drivers with an easy way into the lap. A blind corner that drops away from you on entry means the car will endeavour to slide wide. Track limits are in force here for the weekend so discipline will be critical in qualifying.

Turn two is a flat-out, sweeping climb to the right into three - another blind left-hander as the track reaches the crown of the hill. Compromise is needed here as three feeds straight downhill into the right-hander of four and then the double-apex at five and six. A poor exit from five will leave drivers vulnerable on the run to turn seven.

That corner is a long, opening hairpin that, with positive camber, invites overtaking opportunities. Then there's a short blast into the highlight of the circuit.

When F1 first visited in 2005, turn eight was not flat out and still generated in excess of five g. With the downforce achieved by modern machinery, those forces could climb further in what is expected to be a flat-out quadruple-apex left-hander.

The track then runs back downhill into the turn nine and 10 chicane. Nine is a typical right-angled left-hander but like three, the fastest compromise is key before the long run uphill from 10, through the right kink of 11 into the final complex of corners.

Turns 12, 13 and 14 provide not only the best overtaking chance of the lap but one of the best opportunities of the season. Plenty of width on entry to the first left of the switchback chicane, but adhering to the outside whilst defending will give you the inside of 13 to defend.

The complexes at three to six and 12 to 14 will be absolutely crucial in qualifying as drivers will have to mediate their speeds throughout each part to maximise the compromise.

What lap times can we expect?

Comparing the pole times of this season to those of 2011 on the common tracks raced between the calenders - Great Britain, Spain, Hungary, Belgium, Italy and Germany - the average lap time difference is just over five and a half seconds, 5.518s to be precise.

Taking this difference from the Turkish GP pole lap set by Sebastian Vettel of that year, a one minute 25.049s, we should see a pole position lap somewhere in the one minute 19s.

Who will be fast?

As per usual this season, Mercedes will be expected to saunter off into the distance with a certain Max Verstappen sitting on his own in third, although the Dutchman's performance at Imola will provide some hope of a continued challenge this time out.

Behind the leading trio, the battle for third in the constructors' championship is anyone's guess with the midfield order seemingly changing from race to race.

The circuit layout will provide an advantage to the stronger cars, so its power-sensitive nature will likely prove a hindrance to Ferrari despite the Scuderia's recent improvements.

Where can we see overtaking?

On this circuit? Anywhere. Turn one has seen side-by-side action over the years, as has the flip-flop between three, four and five.

Seven can also provide opportunities for the brave amongst the grid whilst the slam dunk opportunity will be into the final-corner complex. If someone pulls off a move, there is no guarantee the position will stick. Expect some fantastic racing, especially in the congested midpack.

Before you go...

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