Here are 10 things you might not know, but should know, before the race on 5-7 June

 

The checkered flag, start-finish lines, platform, champagne, and of course, racecars going full-speed ahead, forcefully but delicately maneuvered by the drivers, are the first things that come to mind when we think of Formula 1. Here are some other interesting facts. 

 

1)                  The History

F1 dates back to the European Grand Prix of the 1920s and 1930s. After World War II, the race became the World Grand Prix and subsequently the first world championship took place at the Silverstone racetrack in England in 1950. Italian racer Nino Farina won this race with his Alfa Romeo. Though F1 has a 50-year history worldwide, Turkey has enjoyed the event for a short 5 years.

 

2)                  They came, they conquered

The first Turkey GP was hosted in 2005; Raikonen was the 1^st place winner. Felipe Massa enjoyed the thrill of 1^st place three years in a row from 2006-2008. Turkey had hoped that Formula 1’s legendary racer M.Schumacher would have been able to compete at Istanbul Park; however, he retired before being able to do so. This year we are curious to see if Massa will succeed once again, and become a 4-time consecutive winner, or if he’ll be dethroned, and if so, by whom.

 

3)                  The racetrack

The 5,338km-long racetrack at Istanbul Park includes 14 difficult curves. What makes them so difficult is that they are counter-clockwise. Thus, Istanbul Park is a genuine performance test for both the drivers and the cars. The 8^th curve, which features more than 1 apex-point, is notoriously one of the hardest curves in all of Formula 1. Racecar drivers have praised Istanbul Park’s facilities as well as racetrack- Lewis Hamilton even claimed he had the best race of his career at Istanbul Park.

 

4)                  New rules

Formula 1 2009 has arrived with brand-new rules, though the rules aren’t unique to Turkey, but rather changes that have been made for all of GP. The aerodynamic limitations, use of plain (design-free) tires and a return to kinetic energy systems have altered the look of the cars significantly. The aim in creating these rules is to increase the competition and allow for more overtaking, which will hopefully introduce some new blood to Formula 1.

 

5)                  Racers

2009’s F1 is expected to be quite competitive, with 10 teams and 20 racecar drivers competing. Button looks to be the frontrunner of the season, having already placed first in 4/5 GPs this season alone. Barichello and Vettel are neck-in-neck with Button.

 

6)                  Live broadcast

It’s a shame that everyone can’t watch the competition at Istanbul Park as it’s meant to be enjoyed; however, for those who will be tuning in from home, TRT will be broadcasting the race, with commentary by Okay Karacan, for the 3^rd year in a row.

 

7)         What else is there?

Food and drink booths are set-up behind each stand. The most expansive is the Ana (main) stand, where in addition to the food and drink, you will find stands providing information on rankings as well as merchandise being sold. The racecar drivers’ autograph signing day will be held on 6 June in the evening at the Istanbul Park vending area.

 

 

8)      Formula gossip

Even Formula 1 hasn’t managed to survive the world economic crises without a few changes being implemented. While France’s GP, followed by Canada’s GP, have dropped out of Formula 1, it is being said that 2010 might be Turkey GP’s final year. Rumor has it a new ranking system will go into operation in 2010, and that refueling as well as the use of tire-blankets will be forbidden.

 

9)      When is it?

The race is scheduled for 5-7 June at Istanbul Park; the training and warm-up that’ll determine the line-up will take place 5-6 June. The race will commence at 15.00 on 7 June. The ticket categories are as follows: Ana Tribün (Main Stand), Silver Tribün, Bronze Tribün and Açık Alan (Open Space). Ticket prices range from 45-700TL. For more details, www.biletix.com.tr.

 

 

10)  Getting There

Istanbul Park is located at: Karaaliler Mevkii 9-10-11 Pafta 1935 Parsel, Tepeören Yolu, Akfırat Beldesi, Tuzla. From Şile, you can take E-5 or the Tem road; you’ll have to stop frequently to ask for more directions or you can call (0216) 677 1010 for detailed directions and any other information regarding Istanbul Park.

 

The checkered flag, start-finish lines, platform, champagne, and of course, racecars going full-speed ahead, forcefully but delicately maneuvered by the drivers, are the first things that come to mind when we think of Formula 1. Here are some other interesting facts.

 

1)                  The History

F1 dates back to the European Grand Prix of the 1920s and 1930s. After World War II, the race became the World Grand Prix and subsequently the first world championship took place at the Silverstone racetrack in England in 1950. Italian racer Nino Farina won this race with his Alfa Romeo. Though F1 has a 50-year history worldwide, Turkey has enjoyed the event for a short 5 years.

 

2)                  They came, they conquered

The first Turkey GP was hosted in 2005; Raikonen was the 1^st place winner. Felipe Massa enjoyed the thrill of 1^st place three years in a row from 2006-2008. Turkey had hoped that Formula 1’s legendary racer M.Schumacher would have been able to compete at Istanbul Park; however, he retired before being able to do so. This year we are curious to see if Massa will succeed once again, and become a 4-time consecutive winner, or if he’ll be dethroned, and if so, by whom.

 

3)                  The racetrack

The 5,338km-long racetrack at Istanbul Park includes 14 difficult curves. What makes them so difficult is that they are counter-clockwise. Thus, Istanbul Park is a genuine performance test for both the drivers and the cars. The 8^th curve, which features more than 1 apex-point, is notoriously one of the hardest curves in all of Formula 1. Racecar drivers have praised Istanbul Park’s facilities as well as racetrack- Lewis Hamilton even claimed he had the best race of his career at Istanbul Park.

 

4)                  New rules

Formula 1 2009 has arrived with brand-new rules, though the rules aren’t unique to Turkey, but rather changes that have been made for all of GP. The aerodynamic limitations, use of plain (design-free) tires and a return to kinetic energy systems have altered the look of the cars significantly. The aim in creating these rules is to increase the competition and allow for more overtaking, which will hopefully introduce some new blood to Formula 1.

 

5)                  Racers

2009’s F1 is expected to be quite competitive, with 10 teams and 20 racecar drivers competing. Button looks to be the frontrunner of the season, having already placed first in 4/5 GPs this season alone. Barichello and Vettel are neck-in-neck with Button.

 

6)                  Live broadcast

It’s a shame that everyone can’t watch the competition at Istanbul Park as it’s meant to be enjoyed; however, for those who will be tuning in from home, TRT will be broadcasting the race, with commentary by Okay Karacan, for the 3^rd year in a row.

 

7)         What else is there?

Food and drink booths are set-up behind each stand. The most expansive is the Ana (main) stand, where in addition to the food and drink, you will find stands providing information on rankings as well as merchandise being sold. The racecar drivers’ autograph signing day will be held on 6 June in the evening at the Istanbul Park vending area.

 

 

8)      Formula gossip

Even Formula 1 hasn’t managed to survive the world economic crises without a few changes being implemented. While France’s GP, followed by Canada’s GP, have dropped out of Formula 1, it is being said that 2010 might be Turkey GP’s final year. Rumor has it a new ranking system will go into operation in 2010, and that refueling as well as the use of tire-blankets will be forbidden.

 

9)      When is it?

The race is scheduled for 5-7 June at Istanbul Park; the training and warm-up that’ll determine the line-up will take place 5-6 June. The race will commence at 15.00 on 7 June. The ticket categories are as follows: Ana Tribün (Main Stand), Silver Tribün, Bronze Tribün and Açık Alan (Open Space). Ticket prices range from 45-700TL. For more details, www.biletix.com.tr.

 

 

10)  Getting There

Istanbul Park is located at: Karaaliler Mevkii 9-10-11 Pafta 1935 Parsel, Tepeören Yolu, Akfırat Beldesi, Tuzla. From Şile, you can take E-5 or the Tem road; you’ll have to stop frequently to ask for more directions or you can call (0216) 677 1010 for detailed directions and any other information regarding Istanbul Park.