About the circuit

The Istanbul Park Circuit, also known as Intercity Istanbul Park, is a state-of-the-art motorsport venue located in Tuzla, on the outskirts of Istanbul, Turkey. Opened in 2005, the circuit quickly gained international recognition for hosting the Turkish Grand Prix as part of the Formula 1 World Championship. It has also hosted MotoGP, the World Touring Car Championship, and various other motorsport events. The track is 5.338 km (3.317 miles) long and features 14 corners. Known for its undulating layout, Istanbul Park offers a mix of fast straights, elevation changes, and challenging corners that test both driver skill and vehicle performance. The most famous part of the track is the notorious Turn 8, a long, quadruple-apex left-hand corner that pushes cars and drivers to their limits with sustained high G-forces. The circuit’s anti-clockwise configuration is another unique aspect, setting it apart from many other F1 venues. Istanbul Park’s design, created by Hermann Tilke, blends high-speed sections with tight, technical turns, making it a favorite among drivers. The circuit’s elevation changes, combined with its variety of corners, create opportunities for exciting overtaking maneuvers, especially on the long back straight leading into Turn 12. Although the Turkish Grand Prix was absent from the Formula 1 calendar for several years, it returned to much fanfare in 2020. With its modern facilities and exciting layout, Istanbul Park remains a key venue for international motorsport, offering thrilling races and breathtaking views for fans.