Istanbul to host F1 Grand Prix on weekend

12 teams and 24 drivers will compete in the Formula 1 (F1) Turkish Grand Prix here on weekend.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that he was very happy to host Formula one races in Istanbul.

"I believe that Formula one Turkish Grand Prix will gain world' s appreciation once again with the Istanbul Park Circuit and its perfect organization. This race is perfectly fit Istanbul, a city bridging civilizations and continents," he said.

Yazici, the mayor of Tuzla town of Istanbul, said: "We are very pleased to host the Formula one Turkish Grand Prix which brings Tuzla forefront in the world."

He said that it would be the sixth time that Tuzla would be hosting Formula one and noted that the races would take place on May 28, 29, and 30 at Istanbul Park Track.

"All necessary measures are taken for the races," he added.

Yazici said nearly 2,000 hotels would be allocated for the guests coming from abroad for the races and accommodation problem would also be eliminated by renting empty villas and seaside places.

The Istanbul Park track is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, six kilometers from the junction of Kurtkoy on the north side of the TEM motorway which links Istanbul to capital Ankara.

It is also close to the newly constructed Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport.

The undulating 5.34km circuit has been designed by German architect Hermann Tilke, the creative force behind Malaysia's Sepang, Bahrain's Sakhir and the lavish Shanghai track.

The Istanbul track features 14 turns, eight lefts and six rights, with the cars expected to reach speeds of up to 320kph.

First two practice phases of the race will take place on May 28. The third practice phase will be held on May 29 and it will be followed by the qualifying tour. And the race will begin at the Istanbul Park Circuit at 3 p.m. local time on May 30.

【1】 【2】