Istanbul track could be damp for qualifying but grip should be much better

2021 Turkish Grand Prix weather

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Formula 1 could have more rain to contend with in Istanbul, though not as much as at this race last year, or what Sochi saw two weeks ago.

Persistent rain and low temperatures made for extremely low grip levels on the recently-resurfaced Istanbul Park last year. However Formula 1 is returning more than a month earlier in the calendar than last year’s mid-November race.

Friday should start out sunny, with temperatures getting up to 22C. For comparison, that was the warmest and driest day of running last year, when a peak of just 17C was recorded, after which it got even cooler.

The wind may catch drivers out on Friday, with gusts potentially as strong as 45kph, significantly stronger than what we’ve seen at most races this year. It’s expected come from the north east, providing a tailwind down the straight between turns 10 and 11, but potentially making quick corners such as the notorious turn eight especially tricky.

Saturday last year was wet in the afternoon, with a soaked qualifying session leaving cars tiptoeing around the resurfaced track. This year there is a decent chance of rain in the morning however it should pass before qualifying session leaving a track which is damp at worst.

This Saturday should also be a little cooler than Friday, with highs of 21C but substantially less windy. The breeze will be reduced to a maximum of 20kph, although still coming from the north east.

For Sunday’s race there is a 40% risk of rain and possible light showers expected but a downpour is not currently anticipated. Temperatures should be the same as Saturday, with a high of 21C but with the whole day sunny but overcast.

As Pirelli has brought rubber which is one stage softer than last year, the track surface has had time to settle and it’s been cleaned, drivers should enjoy much better grip at Istanbul this year.

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For more updates on the track conditions during each session keep an eye on RaceFans Live and the RaceFans Twitter account.

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Author information

Hazel Southwell
Hazel is a motorsport and automotive journalist with a particular interest in hybrid systems, electrification, batteries and new fuel technologies....

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2 comments on “Istanbul track could be damp for qualifying but grip should be much better”

  1. Going to be very interesting. Always liked this track.

  2. We will see if i have to believe my neighbor he expect friday windy but nice Saterday a lighter form of drizzel probaly not enough to wet the track and the wind will dry it fast. Sunday a showers but more in the morning so don’t expect a wet track during the race.
    My neighbor is visiting his family in Kuma and reported the weather to me as he knows i am a fan…

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