Last time around we predicted a Hamilton win and we explained why. It worked. This time the circumstances are a bit different but we should not count Lewis out. McLaren are preparing well and they are updating their car regularly and on a fast pace. In Istanbul Park Red Bull has the edge. Their car should be very superior on the fast curves especially on turn 8. Last year Red Bull’s pace on turn 8 and after was unbelievable and the McLaren’s couldn’t get near to overtake them. Eventually Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel crashed and handed the race to the British Duo.
The main problem that might Favor McLaren is KERS. Red Bull doesn’t seem to have sorted this yet, but they are bloody fast anyway so we will have to see what happens. I vote for an open battle and I count everybody out especially Ferrari.
It’s the first race in Europe…
…and it will probably be the last in Turkey. The circuit is not attracting so many spectators and the facilities are left with maintenance. Bernie is not finding any market value in Turkey anymore and he is looking somewhere else. History has not done Turkey good too especially after problems in 2007 and 2008.
Circuit Stats
Round 4/19
Race Date: 08 May 2011
Circuit Name: Istanbul Park
Number of Laps: 58
Circuit Length: 5.338 km
Race Distance: 309.396 km
Lap Record: 1:24.770 – JP Montoya (2005)
Most wins (drivers) Felipe Massa (3)
Most wins (constructors) Ferrari (3)
Last five winners:
2010 Lewis Hamilton
2009 Jenson Button
2008 Felipe Massa
2007 Felipe Massa
2006 Felipe Massa
Top Overtaking Spot
This is ultimately easy here around. The start finish line is long and followed with a left curve which has a wide entry. There you have your top overtaking spot, but with KERS around, you can practically overtake at the end of every straight line in Turkey.
Expert’s Tip
Those long curves and especially turn 8 will kill the tyres for sure. Drivers wanting the win should pay attention to this. Qualifying is essential; especially Q3 and the one who nails it using one set of tyres will have the biggest chance to win.
Circuit Highlights
High speed corners in the mid-section in addition to the slow speed one before the start finish line. Drivers must carry high speed and enter the last sector with determination not to lose that. The difference is made there.
