2006 Turkish Grand Prix - Preview
Hot on the heels of its participation in the wildly successful
Bavaria City Racing street demonstration event in Rotterdam,
Holland, Midland F1 Racing returns to competition this weekend
in Istanbul at Round 14 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship
- the Turkish Grand Prix.
In the three-week period since the previous race in Hungary,
the team has been working hard at its operational base in
Silverstone to bring forward new aerodynamic developments
for the M16 race car, several of which have been evaluated
during straight line runs at Elvington Airfield in the UK.
New to the calendar last year, Istanbul Park is one of only
three circuits on the Formula 1 calendar that run counter-clockwise.
(Coincidentally, the other two also begin with `I`: Imola
and Interlagos). The 5.378-kilometre circuit also stands out
for its steep elevation changes - close to 46 metres over
the course of a lap. These gradients, combined with a unique
multiple-apex left-hander at Turn 8, the flowing nature of
most of the corners, and top speeds approaching 330 km/h,
all contribute to Istanbul's status as a true driver favourite.
Tiago Monteiro (POR), Car #18: "Istanbul
levels the playing field a bit between all the drivers in
Formula 1, because it's still relatively new. It's a fantastic
circuit - definitely my kind of track - and the only place
where I have as much experience as any of the older drivers.
I had a reasonable race here last year and enjoy the city,
as well, so I'm looking forward to a good weekend. I've had
a good break since Hungary, and taking part in the street
demonstration in Rotterdam was a fantastic way to gear back
up for racing. The team has been busy working on developments
to the car, so I am keen to get back on the track and see
what we can do."
Christijan Albers (NED), Car #19: "I've
had a pretty busy break since Hungary but the highlight was
definitely the Bavaria City Racing event in Rotterdam! It
was amazing to take the M16 around the city streets and to
drive in front of so many of my fans. There was a great atmosphere
in the city and the team put on such a fantastic show. The
rest of the time I spent working on my fitness and preparing
for the remaining 5 races of the season, which will include
some very challenging circuits. Istanbul will be a good place
to match ourselves to our rivals and I hope that our developments
will have further improved our position."
Giorgio Mondini (SUI), Test and Reserve Driver:
"It will be good to get back in the car, as I haven`t
filled the Friday driver role since Indianapolis. Istanbul
is a new track, so I won`t feel too disadvantaged having to
learn the circuit. There are some technical sections and a
variety of gradients to handle, but I feel I am up to the
challenge. The team still has a lot to learn about the set-up
required there, so the Friday role will be as important as
ever. As usual, I`m really looking for to it."
Colin Kolles, Managing Director: "The
August break has given us all a chance to pause and assess
what we have achieved so far this season. The staff at the
factory has used this valuable time to push on with some important
developments. With no formal testing allowed, we are as keen
as ever to see what ground we have covered. Everybody is beginning
to focus on 2007 but I am confident we still have a lot of
performance to realise with the M16. Our drivers have been
busy with a series of events but I know they have both done
a lot of preparation work to make sure they will be sharp
this weekend."
Dominic Harlow, Chief Race and Test Engineer:
"The surface of the track in Istanbul is very smooth,
but can be expected to have evolved from last year, when it
was quite low in grip and very hard on the outside front tyres.
Our setup will concentrate mainly on platform stability and
we will target a lower downforce level than normal - closer
to what we used in the Canadian and US events than the last
race in Hungary. During the longer break between races, we
have been able to produce some further important aerodynamic
updates for the M16, and with help from our partners at Toyota
and Bridgestone, we are looking forward to making further
progress with the qualifying and race pace of our package."
Johnny Herbert, Sporting Relations Manager: "The
facilities an Istanbul Park are fantastic and it's always
a pleasure to stay in such a buzzing city. I think this is
one of the most exciting countries we visit in Formula 1.
We're looking forward to a great demanding race track that
pushes car and driver to the limit, and with both our drivers
back for their second year here, we hope that a successful
weekend will come our way. Tyres will be a big factor, as
always, and with Bridgestone we know we will have a competitive
selection."
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