The Turkish Grand Prix returns to the Formula One calendar for a second consecutive year in 2021. Ahead of Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team's debut in Istanbul, get the lowdown on a circuit that has become a firm fan favourite.
Around an hour's drive from Turkey's capital, Istanbul Park was designed in 2003 by Hermann Tilke. Completed in 2005, the circuit hosted its first Grand Prix that same year.
Sections of the circuit are often compared to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Interlagos in Brazil, with the highlight of the lap, the fast downhill left-hander of Turn Eight, truly testing a driver's commitment.
The Turn Eight grandstand is a prominent viewpoint to watch Formula One cars flat-out, but for overtaking drama, Turn 12 offers some of the best seats in the house.
Despite providing some enthralling racing, the Turkish Grand Prix fell off the calendar after the 2011 season before returning as a late addition in 2020, after the Covid-19 Pandemic affected the originally slated schedule.
As a last-minute stand-in to host round 14 of the Championship, Turkey proved to be highly successful, with fans enjoying every minute of an action-packed weekend.
Lance Stroll showed his skill in changeable conditions to take a spectacular pole position on Saturday, before building a strong early lead in the race on Sunday and leading the pack for the first half of the Grand Prix.
Painstakingly, damage later in the race would affect the performance of Lance's car, eventually consigning him to ninth place at the flag.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton claimed victory in the race to seal his seventh World Championship title, equaling the record held by Michael Schumacher.
To cap off an unpredictable and captivating weekend, Team Silverstone's Sergio Perez finished second, while Sebastian rounded off the podium in third.
This weekend's Turkish Grand Prix will be held in place of the cancelled Singapore Grand Prix, marking the venue's ninth appearance on the calendar.
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