After a 9 years break, Formula 1 is returning to Istanbul Park this year. The Turkish Grand Prix’s return to the calendar has come about as F1 has been forced to abandon planned year 2020 races in the America and Asia due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Istanbul Park held the Turkish Grand Prix from 2005 to 2011, and because of allowing for a riveting race, it became a fan and driver favourite circuit. Most called it as an amazing track and the action has always been great. The track proved immensely popular with drivers and TV fans, thanks mostly to the multi-apexed Turn 8, a never-ending left hander that was as much a test of man as it was machine. It is clear that Istanbul Park will offer more straightforward freight routes for F1 than other potential venues.
The Turkish Grand Prix will take place on November 15th, two weeks after the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. F1 can expect cooler conditions in Istanbul compared to its last schedule in May, as the region sees average temperatures of 9°C – 15 °C in November.
McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Räikkönen won the first ever Turkish Grand Prix, after starting from pole in Istanbul, 2005, August 21st. But in 2006, Ferrari driver Felipe Massa took the 1st. place in Istanbul.
