Göçbeyli Köyü Yolu,
Istanbul Park Circuit,
34959 Tuzla,
Istanbul
Turkey made its debut on the Formula One calendar in 2005 with an all-new purpose-built circuit in Istanbul. The spectacular 5.378 kilometer track was designed by famed German architect Herman Tilke, the man behind Sepang, Bahrain and Shanghai, and features 14 turns - eight lefts and six rights.
The anti-clockwise circuit has already established itself as one of the most exciting in the world and has been well received by the drivers. As a purpose-built facility, the circuit follows the layout of the land. The course features several turns modelled on the world's most famous corners and includes the triple-apex Turn Eight, a downhill left-hander which is one of the toughest in Formula 1.
The Istanbul Park is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, approximately 90 kms from the centre of Istanbul.
Impressive spectator facilities can easily pursuit the very high standards set by Bahrain and China in 2004. The seating capacity is 155,000, with 25,000 of those in the main grandstand, and parking is available for 20,000 cars. Dominating the circuit's skyline are the two seven-floor VIP towers built at either end of the paddock. See the Review section for further information.
Please contact this circuit using the information panels below.
Robert Kubica's Guide to Istanbul Park Posted on: 01/06/2010
Robert Kubica has shared with us his thoughts about tackling the Turkish Grand Prix.
"When I think about Turkey the first thing that comes to my mind is that it’s normally a very hot race. Also, the traffic is always busy, especially over that bridge which links Europe and Asia. That’s why I always try and stay in a hotel on the As... Read More >>
Get 15% off packages to the Turkish GP if you book before 31st December! Posted on: 10/12/2009
Turkish Grand Prix - Istanbul Park Circuit - 28th 29th and 30th May, 2010
How's this for a deal? Book up a Turkish Grand Prix package deal before 31st December 2009 and get 15% off!
PREMIUM PACKAGE
(3 nights in 5* Sophisticated Swissôtel in Deluxe Room, Airport &... Read More >>
Hilton Istanbul Hilton Istanbul is situated in the premium location in town, in an elevated position surrounded by 15 acres of beautiful private parks and gardens.
Hilton Park SA International In the city centre, the Hilton ParkSA Istanbul hotel is close to most key attractions and the business district.
Istanbul Park is located about 3 kilometres from the O-4 / E80 highway, about 30km east of Istanbul City about halfway toward the town of Gebze.
Turn north onto Istanbul Boulevard in the direction of Ballica (but don't go as far as Ballica!), follow Istanbul Blvd for 3 km and then go straight along the dedicated Formula 1 Yolu access road into the circuit.
Turkish delight
Posted by: Chris Jenkins
The notion of hosting a F1 World Championship race in Turkey came about in September 2003 and with Bernie getting the Turkish government on board with funding, a state of the art facility was built in a forested area outside 80kms to the eastern “Asian” side of Istanbul.
Bernie’s favoured circuit designer Herman Tilke was drafted in, his recent credits being Sepang (Malaysia), Bahrain and Shanghai (China) F1 circuits, as well as a radical re-design of the Hockenheim racing circuit in Germany and the A1-Ring in Austria. Tilke’s other designs had incorporated a long straight followed by a hairpin turn, to encourage overtaking but at Istanbul Park he created a twisty track that is quite difficult to overtake on, but not impossible. Unusually, the lap runs anti-clockwise, the only other circuit running this direction currently being Brazil. Turn eight is the driver’s favourite, a sequence of four turns taken as one at speeds of over 160mph - and lateral forces of nearly 5g are survived by the drivers. The General Admission tickets actually get a better view of this stunning corner than the Silver 2 Grandstand, but being such a new circuit, generally the facilities are excellent around the whole circuit. The main Grandstand holds 30,000 spectators, with additional temporary stands and grounds creating a total capacity of 155,000. Parking for 20,000 cars is located along the outer ring road similarly to the lay-out at Sepang in Malaysia, making traffic control and flow of traffic smooth. Additionally, there is capacity for more than 10,000 VIP guests in the twin seven-storey towers that dominate the paddock skyline. Felipe Massa has won all three races for Ferrari since the track was opened, though Juan Pablo Montoya in a Williams with a 1:22.77 holds the lap record in 2005.
Located in the Marmara region of Turkey, the Istanbul Park Circuit is in Akfyrat County 50kms east of the centre, Taksim. The nearest main suburb is Pendik. Municipal buses are available on race days from various locations around Istanbul, including Ataturk Airport, Taksim Square, Mecidiyekoy, Kadykoy, Bostancy and Pendik.
Being a coastal location, it is also possible to get to Pendik (15km from Istanbul Park) by sea bus from Bakyrkoy, Karakoy, Eminonu and Kabataþ, all of which are very close to the popular hotel areas of Sultanahmet and Taksim.
Atatürk International Airport is Turkey’s major airport, located west of Istanbul; about a 30-minute cab ride. Train and bus links direct to Istanbul are operated and car rental is available at the airport too. Sabiha Gökçen Airport serves the Anatolian coast of Turkey and is located on the shore of Istanbul at Pendik/Kurtkoy. There are numerous domestic, European and international flights to this airport, including flights to Brussels, Eindhoven and Cairo.
Istanbul has a wealth of history, the domes and minarets of the old town taking you back to the Ottoman Empire and Constantinople. The 4,400 shops in the 15th century Grand Bazaar are a must see, as is the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Cagaloglu Hamam (the oldest Turkish baths in Istanbul), which are in the Sultanahmet district of the city. The Golden Horn is a beautiful estuary well worth a look, as are the many palaces such as Topkapi, Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi Palace.
An authentic Turkish kebab is not to be missed, it is arguably the oldest fast food of all and is available almost everywhere, as is of course some strong Turkish coffee. For exciting nightlife, head to the Beyoglu district or Taksim Square where you’ll find a variety of clubs including several belly dancing stages and jazz bars.
If you have time to explore outside of Istanbul, then the Mediterranean coastline boasts spectacular scenery and fabulous weather. The Aegean coast is also nearby.
A great place for food is at Chef Mehmet Gurs rooftop terrace restaurant, Mikla, on top of the Marmara Pera Hotel in the Beyoglu district. The 360-degree view is spectacular, looking across from the 14th-century Genovese Galata Tower, to the Golden Horn and Topkapi Palace, Seraglio Point and the Blue Mosque in the distance. Because Turkey is an Islamic state it is worth pointing out some differences in local customs and etiquette – tourists should refrain from posing in front of statues of Mustafa Kemal, also known as Atatürk (Father Turk) for example. He is considered the founding father of modern Turkey and statues of him are everywhere; there are laws against defaming or insulting him.
Don’t visit mosques (especially ones which are not museums) in shorts, short sleeves and mini skirts. It is accustomed to cover your body when you enter the place of God (mosques in Islam).
