"The Turkish Grand Prix has quickly become one of my favourite races on the
F1 calendar,” said Button, who finished fourth in 2006. “The track layout is excellent with a challenging combination of long straights, tight hairpins and the very high-speed turn eight. The changes in elevation also contribute to making it a fun circuit for the drivers. There are some really good overtaking opportunities at turn one and turn three where I gained a place in the race last year. You also have a chance at passing into turns nine and twelve.
“To get a really quick lap around this circuit, you really need to consciously push hard all the way round and use the track's camber to your full advantage. I have had a couple of great races here in the last two years to finish in the top six, and whilst our performance isn't quite there this year, I am expecting an improvement from the last race."
Like Button, Barrichello rates Istanbul as one of his favourites, while he too scored points in the race last year, finishing eighth having started 13th.
"I have been very impressed with the Istanbul circuit over the past two years and we have seen some exciting races there. The track is fairly challenging from a drivers' point of view as it runs anti-clockwise which is quite unusual and physically tough, and also the undulations are quite extreme which can make your lap quite exciting. The highlight for most drivers is the high-speed turn eight where the triple apex makes it really important to get your line right.
“The break has been good to recharge and get ready for the final stage of the season but I know that work has been continuing at the factory to push the development of the car. I am confident that we will have a better race weekend in Turkey."
BMW Sauber – Nick Heidfeld (#9), Robert Kubica (#10):
Confirmed for 2008, Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica can complete the 2007 with even more confidence than they currently have as they continue to cause a few headaches for the
Ferrari and
McLaren team.
