AT&T Williams F1

2008 Formula 1 Petrol Ofisi Turkish Grand Prix

About Turkey

The purpose-built Istanbul Speed Park is an entirely different technical proposition to the previous race held in Budapest. A modern circuit measuring just over 5.3kms per lap, the Otodrom is a challenging blend of long and short straights, interspersed with eight left and six right-hand corners. Each turn places different demands on the car and the driver, none more so than turn eight - the notorious triple apexer which is taken at speeds reaching 250km/h and which places between 4 and 4.5g of lateral loadings on the drivers 58 times during the course of the race. Turkey also features some interesting gradient changes which, while not upsetting the balance of the car, must be taken into consideration during set-up. Ambient temperatures are expected to reach the 40°C mark, while track readings could climb to 55°C this weekend. As such, engines will require additional cooling capabilities and tyre selection will also be affected accordingly. Like San Marino and Brazil, Turkey runs in an anti-clockwise direction which creates additional pressures - notably for the tyres, and particularly for the right front, as well as for the drivers’ neck muscles. Measuring 20m at its widest, and with large braking zones, the circuit also provides plenty of overtaking opportunities which should guarantee a compelling race on Sunday.