multi21

Turkish Grand Prix technical preview
07 May 2008


The purpose-built anti-clockwise circuit on the outskirts of Istanbul offers a mix of challenging low and high-speed corners. Overtaking is difficult, especially in the first half of the lap, but the long back straight leading into the tight hairpin of Turn 12 offers the ideal opportunity for outbraking. Combine this with the challenge of Turn 8, which is one of the most demanding of the year, and you have all the ingredients for an exciting Grand Prix.

Suspension
As a new facility the track surface at Istanbul is in good condition and the kerbs are not especially aggressive making it relatively straightforward to find a stable car balance. The team will seek a compromise between stiffer settings for the high-speed part of the lap to give a good change of direction, and softer settings for the low-speed section of the lap to ensure good mechanical grip.

Aerodynamics
There are few critical high-speed corners at Istanbul Park, but the team will still run with medium downforce settings in order to carry good speed through Turn 8. However, between Turns 3 to 5 and Turns 12 to 14, it is mechanical grip that predominates, rather than aero-generated grip.

Brakes
The braking zone into Turn 12 after the long back straight is the most significant on the circuit. It also represents the best overtaking opportunity and will normally see plenty of action during the Grand Prix. Overall the circuit is not particularly demanding on the brakes, although with medium downforce settings the drivers may struggle with locking of the rear brakes, which will be further complicated by the new electronic regulations this year.

Tyres
The Turkish Grand Prix is quite a demanding track on the tyres, especially with Turn 8 which puts high loadings through the tyres, particularly the front right. Bridgestone will therefore supply the hard and medium compounds from their range, as was the case for the Spanish Grand Prix. The timing of the race will also have a noticeable impact on tyre wear, as in previous years the race was held in the middle of the summer. The May date should result in cooler conditions, giving a track surface that is slightly less demanding on the tyres.

Engine
Istanbul presents a varied workout for the engine, requiring both good top speed and low end performance. Turn 8 remains a constant concern where the engine is concerned as it is important to ensure effective power delivery at high revs for good performance in this high-speed corner. Overall around 65% of the lap is spent on full throttle, which is about average for the circuits on the calendar.

ltc

Wait a minute, isn't it Sir A. Wayne's job to start/moderate threads like this?

multi21

We're outsourcing now. It's already Wednesday and no preview? Clearly based on his previous threads Wayne's been hitting the bottle...

ltc

Perhaps it's just reality setting in......a Renault on empty tanks, even under the skillful piloting of the greatest (female) driver in the history of motorsports, can't outpace Kimi with a decent fuel load.

Reality...ain't it a bitch.

multi21

My predictions for this weekend.

1. Kimi
2. Hamilton
3. Kubica
4. Heikki
5. Heidfeld
6. Trulli
7. Alonso
8. Webbah (Larry really gets up for this guy, not that there is anything wrong with that )

Possible outside shot at points in the event of a crash up front: Button

Massa DNF.

RIP: Super best friends

APKhaos

Leave my mate Webbah alone. He's the most unlucky bugger in the field. It's a great testament to his character than he has not joined GP Whiner's Circle currently led by that snippy little Spanish girl.

via con dios, Super Best Friends. You will be sadly missed.

ltc

Nice little Spanish girl, Spain's answer to Danica for F1.....wait a minute, do we have another Amigo? Do you know the secret handshake?

APKhaos

Note edit to that quote above.

Can learn the handshake, but the costume is out of the question.

multi21

Don't knock it. We all get neat badges!!

ltc

Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges !

Flying Finn

You're correct with Wayne's drinking but don't diss Massa, he's always strong in Turkey.

multi21

There is no doubt the car is capable and Ferrari has ALWAYS been strong there since they started the GP in Turkey, BUT, in the last 2 races Massa has finished 1st and 2nd. I'm predicting something will happen with him, mechanical, crash, cut tire, something. I'm going with the lack of consistance history.

Flying Finn

There won't be any argument against that from me...

Good news, Kovalainen got "OK" from FIA docs so he's driving in Turkey and McLaren's investigation declared that problem was cause by a wheel failure. Here's to him bouncing back strong!

P.S. May 8th, 1982 was the day when Formula 1 lost one of it's brightest stars ever, Gilles Villeneuve.
(reason for avatar change)

A.Wayne

RAIN, RAIN,RAIN ..................................


ISTANBUL FORECAST
Today Hi 22°C / 71°F
Partly Cloudy Lo 13°C / 56°F

Tomorrow Hi 18°C / 64°F
Partly Cloudy Lo 11°C / 51°F

Saturday Hi 21°C / 70°F
Partly Cloudy Lo 7°C / 45°F

Sunday Hi 22°C / 72°F
Showers Lo 9°C / 48°F

Monday Hi 22°C / 71°F
Partly Cloudy Lo 9°C / 49°F


Practice 1 Fri 03:00-04:30
Practice 2 Fri 07:00-08:30
Practice 3 Sat 04:00-05:00
Qualifying Sat 07:00-08:00
The Race Sun 08:00-10:

multi21

Disclaimer:

My original race predictions are off the table in the event of rain.


I've been waiting for rain and hope we get it to see what happens under those conditions. If I had to predict in rain conditions, BMW wins their 1st race and Alonso gets on the podium.