Istanbul Park is a motor racing circuit in the Tuzla district of Istanbul, on the Asian side of the city, and the setting links two continents. Hermann Tilke designed it, and it opened in 2005, when it hosted its first Formula 1 race with Kimi Räikkönen taking the win. The sport raced here every year until 2011, then returned for two more events in 2020 and 2021.
Drivers rate the circuit highly because it combines a fast, flowing layout with real elevation changes. It is also one of the few circuits on the calendar that runs anti-clockwise, which puts extra strain on the drivers’ necks.
The Istanbul Park Track
The lap begins with a long main straight that ends in a heavy braking zone at the first corner, followed by a series of quick, sweeping bends that climb and fall across the hillside. A tricky, tightening sequence takes the cars to the far side of the circuit.
The highlight is Turn 8, a long, fast, multi-apex left-hander that puts heavy lateral loads on the drivers and the tyres. A good lap here needs commitment through the middle of the corner, and many drivers call it one of the best corners in the sport.
Later in the lap, a long back straight leads to a slow left-hander at Turn 12, which is the best place to overtake. Overall, Istanbul Park is 5.338 kilometres (3.317 miles) long with 14 corners, and the race runs for 58 laps.
Istanbul Park Fast Facts
| Istanbul Park Fast Facts | |
|---|---|
| Detail | Information |
| Grand Prix | Turkish Grand Prix |
| Circuit | Istanbul Park |
| Location | Tuzla, Istanbul, Türkiye |
| Lap Length | 5.338 km (3.317 miles) |
| Number Of Laps | 58 |
| Race Distance | Approximately 310 km (192 miles) |
| Number Of Corners | 14 |
| First Grand Prix | 2005 |
Conclusion
Istanbul Park is famous for the flowing layout, big elevation changes and the demanding Turn 8, all in a setting that spans two continents. Race times, session times, results and official notices are all on our Formula 1 section, the Formula 1 website and the FIA website.
Questions People Ask
Where Is Istanbul Park?
It is in the Tuzla district of Istanbul, on the Asian side of the city.
How Long Is Istanbul Park?
One lap is 5.338 km (3.317 miles), so a 58-lap race adds up to roughly 310 km (192 miles).
How Many Laps Does the Turkish Grand Prix Have?
The cars run 58 laps, which covers roughly 310 km (192 miles) in total.
How Many Corners Does Istanbul Park Have?
The lap has 14 corners, with Turn 8 as the most famous.
When Did Formula 1 First Race at Istanbul Park?
The first Formula 1 race here took place in 2005, when Kimi Räikkönen won.
Why Is Turn 8 at Istanbul Park So Famous?
It is a long, fast, multi-apex left-hander that puts heavy lateral loads on the drivers and tyres.
Does Istanbul Park Run Clockwise?
No. It runs anti-clockwise, which is unusual among Formula 1 circuits.
