ISTANBUL FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX

The Istanbul F1 Racing Circuit is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, approximately 90 kms from the city centre. An unusual feature of the venue is that the lap will run anticlockwise, making the Turkish Grand Prix only the third race on the calendar to do so (San Marino and Brazil are the other two). It possesses a wide variety of corners, and while perhaps not as technical as, say, Shanghai, it definitely provides the drivers with real challenge, especially given the reduced downforce available.

The character of the circuit is further enhanced by plenty of gradients – the track is built on four different ground levels. There look to be fewer obvious overtaking opportunities than at some other Tilke circuits – it doesn't feature the long straights followed by tight hairpins that characterise the likes of Sepang and Shanghai – but the drivers found plenty of their own once they got used to the track.

As you'd expect from a new formula one venue, spectator facilities are impressive. Seating capacity is 155,000, with 25,000 of those in the main grandstand, and parking for 20,000 cars.

Fez Travel has 2 F1 tours. Our 5 day F1 tour is designed purely for formula one enthusiasts whereas our 12 day program allows visitors to tour some of the rest of Turkey after the formula 1 race weekend.