Turkish GP : Ferrari Weekend preview

After 9 years of wait, Formula 1 is heading to Turkey this weekend for 2020 Turkish Grand Prix. Turkey hosted first Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2005, won by Kimi Raikkonen and the last race was held in 2011, won by Sebastian Vettel. Felipe Massa gave Ferrari Hat-trick of wins at Istanbul Park from 2006 to 2008.

After experimenting a two-day format at Imola, F1 will be returning to normalcy with two Friday practice sessions followed by Saturday practice & qualifying at Istanbul Park .

Ferrari will be without team principal for this weekend’s Turkish GP, As hinted at the previous Grand Prix at Imola, Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto has made the decision to skip the Turkish Grand Prix in order to spend more time overseeing development of his team’s 2021 car.

Ferrari’s Sporting Director Laurent Mekies was predicting a challenging weekend for Prancing Horse at the power-sensitive Istanbul Park circuit, as they seek to claw their way into the tight battle for third place with Renault, McLaren and Racing Point.

Sebastian Vettel (P14 in Driver Championship Standings)

“I am happy to be going back to Istanbul Park, a circuit that holds many happy memories and some less so. For example, you could say my Formula 1 career began here in 2008, as I made the headlines setting the fastest time in what was my second Friday free practice session appearance with BMW Sauber. And I also won here in 2011, the last time we came to Turkey.

It’s a very interesting track which is very nice to drive. There are several changes of elevation that are much more severe than they appear on television, as well as some very exciting sections. Of course that includes Turn 8 with its three apexes, but actually, from a technical point of view, this track has a bit of everything. And I think that those drivers who have never been here before will also like it right from the start.”

Charles Leclerc (P5 in Driver Championship Standings)

“This will be my first time at Istanbul Park. I’ve watched a few videos of races and I’ve spoken to those who have raced there already and all the comments seem positive.

I can see the layout is very varied, with gradient changes and some spectacular corners. I am particularly looking forward to experiencing turn 8. It will be interesting to see how the current cars perform there, which will be something new for everyone.”

Laurent Mekies, Sporting Director :

“Looking at the track characteristics, it won’t be an easy weekend for us. Nevertheless, the pecking order behind the top three drivers is always very close as it has been all season and the slightest thing can make the difference between fighting for a place on the second row or not making it to Q2.

“Our main aim is to confirm the small progress we have seen in recent races, and if possible, reduce the gap to those ahead of us in the constructors’ championship. We are fortunate to have Sebastian [Vettel] who has already raced here four times, while Charles [Leclerc] will be tackling it for the first time, having been able to try it out on the simulator.”