The Turkish Grand Prix Review
The Formula 1 returns to Turkey with all its speed and force. The Turkish track, famously known as the Istanbul Park Circuit, hosts the sixth Turkish Grand Prix on its anti-clockwise racing circuit.
The Red Bulls have dominated the last two races with penetrating accuracy as Mark Webber won his consecutive second consecutive race at the last Grand Prix at the Monaco Circuit. His teammate Sebastian Vettel made it to the second 1-2 of the season.
The season has been a purple patch for the Red Bulls. With all stars above them shinning bright, they have been successful in landing at pole position in every qualifying session for this year. They had successfully bagged half of the wins in Malaysia, Barcelona and Monaco. They have not only been able to set three of the fastest laps but they have claimed six podium finishes in this season.
There are bright chances for the Red Bull to take a strong lead once again, similar to what they did last summer. All that Red Bulls needs is a good show in the practice session to frustrate all their rivals this afternoon. Previously in the season, they had been lucky enough to win four out of the five races that they began from pole. It could have been a clean sweep for the pole sitters, had Vettel been a little luckier in the start of the season.
It is useless to say that today’s qualifying is crucial. Let us wait and watch if any of the drivers snatch a little luck from the Reds’ in the Turkish Grand Prix. Ferrari’s Felipe Massa has a good record of winning at the Istanbul Park after claiming victory from the 2006 season until the 2008 season. The driver is here with a high spirit and great confidence.
Fernando Alonso, the double world champion has two second-place finishes in his three podium positions in Turkey. Eventually, Alonso is hoping to go even better this weekend. In Barcelona earlier this year, McLaren showed a good race pace. Though it was destroyed in the qualifying rounds by the RB6, if the car goes with the same pace on this weekend as well, they have some real bright chances to make it to the podium.
Renault seemed promising in Monaco, but for Robert Kubica, the Circuit of Canada is more suitable. However, his car might not be at its best here at the Istanbul Park. Also, Vitaly Petrov, his team mate who won the 2009 GP2 Feature Race and also stood third in the Sprint Race believes that there is little hope for Renault to break through. Renault’s misfortune could however benefit Force India.
The upper positions of the top ten can even be won by Toro Rosso’s Jaime Alguersauri and Seb Buemi. Mercedes changed its vehicle for Monaco but have switched back to their longer W01. They won with Button last year but neither Nico Rosberg nor Michael Schumacher has a car anywhere close to the car Button had a year ago.
A new specification car has been brought to the race by Williams as he was unable to replace part of the wing. Sauber on the other hand has had a series of retirements but he is expected to try and get a break this time.
Lotus seems to have made some progress in Monaco so Heikki Kovalainen could be expected to ring the T127 this weekend. Moreover, Lucas Di Grassi of Virgin Racing is likely to have a fun time in a car with a proper fuel tank.
Tyre wear will have an essential role to play in Turkey. Hamilton had a very bad experience with his tyres in 2007 and 2008 and the critical turn eight of the circuit could cause problems for many of the drivers. In Turkey, the drivers fly through the left-hander at a speed of over 200mph experiencing gravitational forces of up to 5G.
Everything seems pointing to another leading display by Red Bull. The forecast shows a nice clear weather with no rain and cooler temperatures unlike its more traditional August date.
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