Formula 1 Season
May 2014Turkish Grand Prix
The Turkish Grand Prix, held at the Istanbul Park Circuit, dates back only to 2005. The German-designed circuit - one of only three anti-clockwise circuits on the calendar - is considered to be one of the world's most exciting and demanding in that it follows the dips and falls in the land, and has a very difficult corner, Turn 8 - a multi-apex corner whereby the drivers are exposed to G-forces approximately five times the force of gravity.
The inAugustural F1 2005 Grand Prix was notable for its exciting on-track action, with many drivers spinning off the track, particularly at Turn 8.
Istanbul Park currently has a total capacity for 125,000 spectators, who are accommodated in ten grandstands and five unnumbered and grassed general admission areas - only the seating for the main grandstand is covered.
The circuit is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, approximately 90 km from the centre of this fascinating city. Once you have exhausted the F1 action, you can head for this historic metropolis, and enjoy a boat trip up the Bosphorus, or a tour of major highlights, such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
In 2014 the race was won by McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, who finished ahead of team-mate Jenson Button with Mark Webber of Red Bull Racing finishing third.
