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| Bernie Ecclestone, the president of F1, at the Istanbul Park. |
Istanbul is gearing up to host its first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix from August 19-21.
Formula 1 Olympics
The Turkish Automobile and Motorsports Federation (TOMSFED) played a key role in making this important event happen. The circuit was constructed under the guidance of Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu of The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges in Turkey (TOBB) and the Motorsports and Organization (MSO), Murat Yalçıntaş of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) and Formula 1 Istanbul Investment (FİYAŞ) and Mümtaz Tahincioğlu of TOMSFED. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Formula 1 Race Director Charlie Whiting expressed his admiration of the track. Attracting 130,000 spectators a day and a TV audience of 2 billion, F1 is a kind of mini Olympics.
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| David Coulthard was in Istanbul. |
Excitement at Istanbul Park
The Turkish economy stands to benefit hugely from F1: if only 0.4% of F1 views come to Turkey, that adds up to 4 million tourists! It is also a very prestigious event. Recent research shows that the average spectator spends 325 USD a day. The circuit in Tepeören-Tuzla measures 2,215,000m2. Architect Herman Tilke designed the circuit to run counter clockwise. There are 13 turns (6 right, 7 left) and the maximum speed is 320.5 km/hr.
FAQs about the Formula 1 Istanbul Grand Prix
How do we get to the Istanbul Park Circuit?
It is 10 minutes from the Sabiha Gökçen exit on the TEM motorway towards Ankara.
Can we take public transportation?
The İETT and IDO will arrange transportation from various locations in Istanbul.
How can I get there by car?
Head towards Sabiha Gökçen on the E5 and TEM motorways and follow the F1 signs.
What are the stands like?
Stand 2 has the best view, including turns 2 to 7. Stand 3 Silver sees the exit of the 2nd and 6th turns and the 7th turn. Stand 4 Silver overlooks 4 turns and T8, the most popular turn on the track. Stand 9 Bronze is located on T11, the fastest straight length.
What is the seating capacity of the stands?
The main grandstand seats 26,000,and the natural grandstand 50,000.
How many tickets have been sold?
Super Gold, Gold 3 and Stand 8 are sold out.
What events will surround the races?
Visit the F1 village behind the main grandstand and wander around the stands.
What are the parking facilities?
Free open air parking for 12,000 cars. Still, we recommend taking public transportation.
What should spectators bring with them?
Sun lotion, a hat, comfortable clothing and binoculars. www.f1turkey.com / www.formulaone.com
