After a packed start to the 2011 season, Formula One has taken three weeks off to recover, but returns to action this weekend in Turkey. We’ve got three races under our belts, and still the teams and drivers are getting used to the new regulations for this year. At Turkey, things should be set to continue in the same fashion, as the conditions change once more.

Event Schedule

Lewis Hamilton broke Red Bull’s grip on the top step of the podium last time out in China, taking the win from Sebastian Vettel. The German crossed the line five seconds behind, which his teammate a further two seconds back, so although it wasn’t a Red Bull victory, the boys from Milton Keynes don’t have too much to worry about just yet.

That said, there will be updates aplenty on the cars this weekend, as a little time back in the factory will have allowed teams some space to think and regroup. We already know that Williams are planning some serious changes, bringing on board Mike Coughlan next month, but what other changes will have taken place down the pit lane?

Session Timetable
Date Day Session Time (GMT+1)
6 May Friday Free Practice 1 08:00
Free Practice 2 12:00
7 May Saturday Free Practice 3 09:00
Qualifying 12:00
8 May Sunday Grand Prix 13:00

The Weather

The long range weather forecasts for Turkey have been predicting rain for the entire weekend, and as the first sessions creep ever closer, that doesn’t look set to change any time soon.

The rain looks light during Friday and Saturday, but is said to be getting heavier as the weekend progresses.

Friday, 6 May

  • 28℃
  • Low: 13℃
  • Humidity: 62%
  • Light rain

Saturday, 7 May

  • 15℃
  • Low: 11℃
  • Humidity: 95%
  • Light rain showers

Sunday, 8 May

  • 21℃
  • Low: 10℃
  • Humidity: 68%
  • Heavy rain showers

Circuit Map

The Circuit

Circuit Data
Name Istanbul Park Circuit
Location Turkey
Timezone GMT +0300
First Race 2005
Laps 58
Length 5.338 km
Distance 309.396 km
Start / Finish Offset 0.208 km

The main feature of the Istanbul Park track is Turn 8, the multi-apex corner that presents a real challenge for the drivers, both in terms of control, and because of the G forces applied. It’s also one of five anti-clockwise circuits, the first on the 2011 calendar, which adds strain to the neck muscles of every single driver on the grid.

Top speeds can get up to 313kph, and although conditions are usually warm and dry, this weekend is looking set to present a whole new set of challenges.

2010 Results
Session Driver Team Time
Free Practice 1 Lewis Hamilton McLaren 1:28.653
Free Practice 2 Jenson Button McLaren 1:28.280
Free Practice 3 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1:27.086
Qualifying Mark Webber Red Bull 1:26.295
Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton McLaren 1:28:47.620
Fastest Lap Vitaly Petrov Renault 1:29.165

Tyre Compounds