Formula 1 Istanbul
The Istanbul Park racing circuit is one of only three circuits of the 2005 Formula One season that run anti-clockwise, Being the Imola circuit in San Marino and the Interlagos circuit the other two. The circuits is 5.338 km long, with an average width of 15 m ranging from 14 to 21.5 m, and covers over 2.215 million m². There are a total of 14 corners including six right and eight left turns, the sharpest with a radius of merely 15 m. The circuit runs over four different ground levels with a start/finish straight over 650 m in length. The total race distance of the Turkish Grand Prix is 309.356 km over 58 laps.
The main grandstand has a seating capacity of 25,000 spectators. In addition, natural ground stands and temporary stands can provide a total capacity of over 155,000. The paddock buildings are two-level structures; the ground floor reserved for racing 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.
Formula 1 Istanbul Winners
2005
The winner of the 2005 Turkish Grand Prix was Kimi Räikkönen of McLaren-Mercedes. It was a start-to-finish leading race for him with a time of 1:24:34.454. Fernando Alonso of Renault F1 came in second, followed by Juan Pablo Montoya of McLaren-Mercedes.
Fastest lap was run by Juan Pablo Montoya at 1:24.770 corresponding to 226.693 km/h.
2006
The 2006 Turkish Grand Prix was won by Felipe Massa of Ferrari who led from start to finish (pitstops not withstanding) on his debut win. The highlight of the race however was the battle between reigning world champion Fernando Alonso in second and 7 time world champion Michael Schumacher in third. This was a battle which many felt echoed their previous battle at Imola during the 2005 San Marino Grand Prix, with Schumacher nose to tail with Alonso who, despite multiple attempts from the 7 time world champion, was able to successfully defend his position.Fastest lap was run by Michael Schumacher at 1:28.005 corresponding to 218.360 km/h. How to get there:
Istanbul Park Circuit lies in the Akfırat County of Istanbul which is on the Asian side of the city. The circuit is 55 km east of city center Taksim, 45 km to Asian Side center Kadıköy and 15 km to closest major center Pendik. Istanbul Park is accessible through Highway TEM (E-80) and alternatively E5 (D-100) Highway. TEM (E-80)
Direction: Ankara
Following Istanbul Park sign on the Sabiha Gokcen Airport exit sign on the 22nd kilometer and Sekerpinar-Bayramoglu exit sign on the 25th kilometer on the Istanbul- Ankara Trans European Motorway
(E-80)
Direction: Istanbul
25 km before Istanbul use the Sekerpınar-Bayramoglu exit or use the Sabiha Gokcen Airport exit by following the Istanbul Park signs.
E-5 (D-100)
You can follow Istanbul Park signs from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and Sekerpinar-Bayramoglu junctions.
Sile Road
You can enter the Sile road from Istanbul E-5 and TEM motorways and follow the Istanbul Park exit on the 16th kilometer.