Turkish Grand Prix – Presentation and Predictions
After 14 days off, the drivers have digested the unlikely scenario that gave us a great end to the race in Russia. What will happen on the magnificent and demanding track of Istanbul? The fight for the world titles should once again offer us a thrilling spectacle.
A track tailored for pilots
Unlike many modern tracks, Istanbul Park circuit is undulating. Hermann Tilke, its designer, chose to follow the site’s topography for the greatest joy of the drivers.
Therefore, this circuit is demanding and requires a perfect unity between the driver and his machine.
He is also one of the only three circuits this year where drivers turn anti-clockwise, with Imola in Italy and Interlagos in Brazil.
The key point of this track is undoubtedly turn No. 8. This is a rapid sequence of four “left turns” during which drivers can experience a force of up to 5G. Clearly, this is the most challenging place to navigate.
Hamilton to match Massa’s record.
Launched in 2005, the Turkish Grand Prix has only seen eight editions, three of which were won by Felipe Massa in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Stopped in 2011, the circuit returned to the calendar last year and saw Lewis Hamilton’s victory, his second after the one in 2010. He also won his seventh world crown.
This year, he could equal the record held by Felipe Massa and especially increase his lead in the World Drivers’ Championship. Remember that it is only two small units ahead with seven rounds to go.
Pirelli offers an “intermediate” range of tires.
This track is hilly and demanding for the drivers and their driving skills, but it is not the circuit that puts the most strain on Pirelli tires.
The Italian manufacturer has therefore chosen to bring a range of intermediate compound, that is to say C2, C3, and C4.
Istanbul Park in Turkey, with its iconic Turn 8, returns for a second consecutive year to the #F1 calendar. Here’s everything you need to know. 🇹🇷 #TurkishGP #Fit4F1 #Formula1 #Pirelli https://t.co/M3y8ma5phs pic.twitter.com/UlSl5Aox6d
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) October 4, 2021
Editor’s predictions
On a track that should suit Mercedes as much as Red Bull, the show should be there. Moreover, the weather could very well contribute to a disruption of strategies as in Russia.
If the predictions are quite unanimous about the man who will get the pole position: Max Verstappen, they remain rather vague about the podium in the race.
Overall, the victory should be between Verstappen and Hamilton, whom we cannot separate.
For the third step of the podium, it’s even more random, Norris, Bottas, Leclerc, and Perez are all worthy candidates.
Only Bastien, a fan of tough climbs, is betting on Leclerc to win ahead of Norris and Bottas.
In the face of so much uncertainty, the only thing that seems certain to us is that there will be tension and fierce battles on the track… Once again, and to the delight of fans, this race is filled with uncertainty!
