Formula 1: Turkish Grand Prix Preview

May 07, 2008

Jarno Trulli, Toyota (2007 Qualifying - 9th, 2007 Race - 16th):

“I have always enjoyed myself in Turkey so I am looking forward to this race. I am confident again because we showed in Spain that we are quite strong, but we also saw that we have to perform at our maximum if we are to get into the top six. The fight is so close that small variables can make a big difference to the end result so we must keep pushing hard. The facilities at Istanbul Park are great and the track itself is interesting, even if it is not a personal favourite. It’s not the most difficult lay-out but there are one or two tricky corners; Turn Eight is the hardest because it is very quick and it is really three corners in one. We have been competitive on every circuit so far this season so we should expect to be qualifying in the top 10 and scoring points again. I am determined to get another positive result this weekend and I believe we are in a strong position to do that.”

Fernando Alonso, Renault (2007 Qualifying - 4th, 2007 Race - 3rd):

“Istanbul Park reminds me of racing at other circuits, such as Spa, for example. The circuit is very wide and gives a good opportunity to overtake. There are also some special corners where you cannot see the exit and that makes Istanbul quite unusual. Turn 8 is especially interesting as it is a very long left hander where we experience more than 4g. It’s a fun circuit and I hope I can take the most from it.

“The conditions will probably be slightly different (because of this year’s earlier date for the race), especially in terms of the temperatures, but they will be the same for all the teams and so it will be important to make the most of the practice sessions on Friday to make sure we are happy with the set-up. This is not something that worries me, and we can work well on hot or cool tracks and this aspect will make the weekend interesting.”

Nico Rosberg, Williams (2007 Qualifying - 8th, 2007 Race - 7th):

“I’m looking forward to Turkey. It was our strongest race last year in terms of pace in comparison to the front runners so I think we can do well there. The circuit itself is great and it should suit our car. We’ve spent some time analysing our performance in Spain, where we took the wrong set-up direction with the car in the opening sessions. We’ve learnt from that mistake so we should definitely take a step forward next weekend. I’m looking forward to it.”

Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber (2007 Qualifying - 5th, 2007 Race - 8th):

“I don’t have the best memories of the races in Istanbul Park, as last year and in 2006 they really didn’t go at all well. Of course this time I hope my luck will change and I shall have a strong race. The race track itself is pretty interesting, and in Turn Eight especially we face a lot of g-forces. Istanbul Park is one of the tracks where you have to find the right balance between high- and low-speed corners.”

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren (2007 Qualifying - 2nd, 2007 Race - 5th):

“Istanbul Speed Park is a fantastic circuit. It is quite demanding, particularly through turn eight, but it provides a good challenge. I always look forward to the race and hope to improve on last year’s result. I also hope to have Heikki alongside me for the race so we can get a good joint result for the team, I know he has a final check at the track on Thursday so we will have to wait and see until then.”

“The balance of the car felt good in Spain, and this is really key at Turkey because of the high speed corners. You need to have a stable balance to be quick through them, such as turn three. You also need a very stable car through turn eight, to ensure you conserve your Bridgestone Potenzas and that you are able to carry speed through there. This section of the track is key as you can gain a lot of time.”

Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren (2007 Qualifying - 7th, 2007 Race - 6th):

“I can’t wait to get back into the car and race with the team next weekend, but at the end of the day that decision is out of my hands, the FIA will make it based on safety grounds only.”
“Turn eight is made up of four corners, one corner after another just turning left, left, left and left, with four apexes. To get it right you have to hit one apex, then just lift a little bit at the right point and then you can go full throttle again for the next. It is not easily flat out, but it is almost flat out and the line is so crucial, that is one reason why it is so challenging and drivers like big challenges so I guess that is why we enjoy it so much.

“It is definitely one of the circuits that has more up hills and down hills, also there are some apexes that are on the brown of the hill and are blind. There are also parts of the circuit that are very flat, so it doesn’t have a big effect on the set-up as it would be too much of a compromise. It does mean you pay attention more to your driving lines and trying to maximise when you go on the power over these hills, trying to maximise your own technique. Going over the crest of hills is the same as in a road car, you get that sensation with your stomach, but you get used to it as you do more laps over the course of the weekend.”

source: auto racing daily