18/08/2005
NEWS STORY
Pitpass regular, and official trackside commentator at all Formula One Grand Prix, Bob Constanduros reports from Istanbul.
Just been for a walk around the Istanbul Park, as Grand Prix racing's latest circuit appears to be known, and I have to say that it is very encouraging when it comes to being spectacular and providing good racing.
I walked around the 5.338 kms circuit with Radio Five Live's Maurice Hamilton in what was fairly warmish weather - around 28 degrees - but under overcast and even quite threatening skies.
We were overtaken by a variety of others investigating the track, including Takuma Sato and engineer Jock Clear, and Ralf Schumacher (frequently) plus GP2 driver Nico Rosberg and others.
Frankly, the best bit comes first: a downhill start into a tight left-hander followed by a swooping uphill right-hander. This then leads to a little twisty section of a left, a right and a left onto a short downhill straight which leads into a tight but opening uphill right-hander.
Then comes turn eight, a long, long left hander with the potential of a couple of apexes before the second half of the lap which is much more open and quick. Out of turn eight is a long, downhill straight into a tight but very wide lefthander, which has been opened up on the inside to tempt overtaking manoeuvres. From there, there is a long uphill section through a slight right-hander to a very tight but unfortunately narrow lefthander, which is turn 12. There is then a squiggle through turns 13 and 14 back onto the start/finish straight.
The city itself is great, even if it took us three hours (!) to find our hotel. But it's modern, very pleasant, rather too much traffic but otherwise pretty good.
The circuit is about an hour out of the city with a couple of tolls to extend the journey. The circuit is situated out of town, with one or two nearby housing estates but otherwise seems pretty well served. The facilities, are, as ever, excellent and the press office of Indianapolis or Malaysia proportions. All in all, it looks pretty good.
It's quite weird to be at what is known as the first sail-away Grand Prix; the thought that everything came by boat from Trieste to about eight kilometres away. There are so many vehicles here - including the whole GP2 field - and they all came by ferry. Renault have even brought their own crew buses.
So all in all, it's an interesting experience. The people are friendly and multi-cultural of course. It's a good spot; we're looking forward to it.
Bob Constanduros