Despite problematic access, the Istanbul circuit is a recent favourite with the teams and drivers. The layout is challenging, and allows drivers to make a difference - in particular when their bravery is tested through the quadruple-apex turn eight, and their technical skills are deployed for the slow complex that ends the lap.
That this is the first visit of the year to an anti-clockwise circuit will show up any driver who has been neglecting his fitness, as he will struggle to keep his head up for the whole race!
Despite the collection of slow corners, a good high-speed aerodynamic package is most important, not only to lend performance through the sweeping curves opening the lap, turn eight and the kink on the back straight, but to ensure plenty of speed in a straight line - this is a circuit where overtaking is possible, so being vulnerable on the long straights is likely to backfire.