Modern circuit mix on F1 calendar
Formula One is seeking a mix of new tracks and classic circuits on the calendar. The new Istanbul Park circuit proved to be very popular with drivers and teams. But Ron Dennis insists that doesn't mean the end for classic tracks like Spa- Francorchamps, but rather an overall improvement in the championship.
Ron Dennis: "This is a fantastic racing circuit and it is a sort of new Spa. If we are going to have a new circuit we certainly don't want to duplicate those things that are wrong with other Grands Prix. Spa is a great circuit but it hasn't got hotels, it hasn't got a city, it hasn't got a big airport, it hasn't got all these things, but that doesn't mean to say it is not a great circuit. A new circuit should not bring forward the problems with the old circuits. What they have supplemented that circuit with here are facilities that allow us quite a bit of space. After that we just require good electrical feed, good IT connections and water. We are self-sufficient, we come just like a circus, there is nothing we need other than the primary items.We are also close to the city and although we have had varying travel times to get there, there are the up side of being in a city like a whole range of hotels and things that supplement the event for the sponsors."
The new Turkish circuit, with its expansive paddock, garages and lots of media facilities, is typical for all the ne circuits but it's the undulating track that has made its mark last weekend. Many drivers were caught out by the four-apex turn eight, one of the most unique corners on the Grand Prix calendar, while other sections were markes out as special turns worthy of some of the top tracks in the world.
Renault boss Flavio Briatore enjoyed his visit despite seeing his championship challenging driver Fernando Alonso beaten by Finnish rival Kimi Raikkonen in the race itself.
Flavio Briatore: "I really need to congratulate Turkey, the media, the spectators, and all the people in I stanbul because it is incredible. I like it, they have done an incredible job in a short time and it is good efficiency."
Istanbul is the third new venue in two years and follows the debuts of the circuit in Bahrain and the circuit in China, which both joined the calendar in 2004. The Istanbul Park has already been hailed as one of the most exciting and difficult tracks on the calendar.
Ron Dennis: "I think everyone knows that some of the new circuits are not particularly challenging, but this shows it can be done. All the drivers have eulogised about the circuit. There are couple of corners that are really difficult that people have made mistakes on, and isn't that great? Isn't it great that it is a challenge, because that is what Grand Prix racing should be, a challenge. Is it a trend that new circuits are good circuits? I hope it is."
