The Istanbul Otodrom is a challenging anti-clockwise circuit with long straights, slow corners and plenty of undulation.  It has proved a great hit with both the drivers and the fans alike.  In 2006 Felipe Massa took the first win of his Grand Prix career after a hectic start which saw many of the cars suffer damage, including Raikkonen who was forced to retire from the race after just one lap.  Massa led the race from start to finish while Alonso and Schumacher battled it out for 2nd and 3rd place and Button held on to a respectable fourth gaining a further five points for the Honda team.

Divided by the Bosphorus the domes and minarets of the many mosques in Istanbul are always visible.  The waterfront is teeming with people piling on and off ferries and street sellers shouting their wares.  The traffic is noisy and cafes and restaurants are full.  In the bazaars, haggling for all goods is expected and the Spice Bazaar is a must for the aromas alone.  Across the Golden Horn is Taksim Square and all around the smart shops, galleries, and museums.  Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar are all close to our hotel.  Join us for a very different Grand Prix Weekend.