Everything you need to know ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix

Racing will resume this weekend at the Istanbul Park Circuit after a week away, and following the chaos of the last race, fans and drivers will be rearing to go this weekend for the Turkish Grand Prix.

All eyes will be on Lando Norris this weekend as spectators wait in hope of a comeback performance after a late tyre decision ripped his first win away from him at the Russian Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton was able to clinch his 100th career victory thanks to the late rain at Sochi and leads the driver’s championship with just seven races to go this season and 346.5 points.

His closes rival, Max Verstappen, is in second just two points behind and will be fighting for the win to regain the lead this weekend.

Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas is in third with 151 points after overtaking Lando Norris who sits with 139 heading to Turkey.

So as this weekend’s battle nears, here’s everything you need to know:

The Circuit

Istanbul Park came onto the scene in 2005 as the latest circuit to host a Formula One race,  having been built to high standards as the sport looked to reach new markets.

The circuit has numerous elevation changes and the challenging triple-apex at Turn 8 meant it was quickly established as on the the great corners on the F1 calendar.

The drivers will race around the 5.333 km track for 58 laps for a total distance of 309.314 km.

The circuit features 14 turns and was designed to be a high-speed and highly technical experience for the drivers.

Ferrari remains the team with the most wins in Istanbul with 3, while Felipe Massa remains the most successful driver at this circuit having been victorious on three occasions.

When/ Where to Watch

Free practice 1 will take place on Friday at the Istanbul Park Circuit on October 8 at 09:30 Irish time, with FP2 taking place hours later at 13:00.

FP3 begins on Saturday, October 9, at 10:00 and will be followed by Qualifying at 13:00.

For the big day on Sunday, October 10, coverage will be on Sky and NOW with lights out at 13:00.

You can catch live coverage of the entire 2021 season, every weekend on Sky Sports F1, or grab a NOW sports package.

Weather

Showers are expected throughout the weekend.

According to Weather.com, they will start on Friday with a 42 per cent chance that the rain will fall during track time.

On Saturday that chance is a lot higher with 72 per cent, however, on Sunday it decreases a bit to 68 per cent for the race.

Championship Standings