Post by Liam O'Reilly on Aug 25, 2006 12:28:26 GMT
The summer break has come and gone for Formula One and for title protagonists Ferrari and Renault, it could not have come at a better time, having come away from the previous round at Hungary with an ending neither could have expected.
Many went to the least memorable of the F1 circuits expecting to coast through a weekend like you would a light-hearted movie which, while worthy, was hardly expected to be an Oscar winning blockbuster.
Who could predict a race with a billing that would see the two title favourites start from the midfield, or that a deluge of rain would prove a coming of age for many drivers, or that the performance of a lifetime would come in the shape of Jenson Button.
Even better, like many a classic sporting film plot, he did it from the back foot or, more precisely, 14th on the grid.
The 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix was up there with Spa 1998 or Suzuka 2005 in terms of excitement, thrills and plenty of spills.
But a repeat performance in Turkey is rather more unlikely and, with Alonso and Schumacher coming away from Hungary feeling rather bemused with proceedings, both will be determined to forget their failure to capitalise on one another's problems and hit back on F1's newest - but already most popular - circuits.
FIA F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS:
Arguably the biggest news ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix is the announcement that Mark Webber will be moving to Red Bull Racing for 2007, the Australian joining David Coulthard in a pairing that somewhat surprised those who thought the team would champion youth over experience.
Webber is joining a team that is expected to be among the front runners eventually, with next year's car being designed by Adrian Newey, while Renault are rumoured to be providing the engines.
But his arrival spells an exit for Christian Klien, the Austrian admitting his departure came as a surprise. Although he has reportedly been given two weeks to decide whether he wants to move with Red Bull into DTM and Champ Car, Klien insists he wants to remain in Formula One next year.
Jacques Villeneuve looks to have competed in Formula One for the final time after he chose to leave BMW Sauber when they could not guarantee his future.
With few offers available, Villeneuve is set to join Juan Pablo Montoya in NASCAR, while Robert Kubica, who debuted with the team in Hungary, is likely to keep his seat to the end of the season and probably for next year.
Indianapolis will remain the home of the United States Grand Prix in 2007 after a deal was struck between Tony George and Bernie Ecclestone. However, the deal is for just the one year and although IMS claim they want to host the US Grand Prix - much maligned after the 2005 tyre fiasco - in the future, changes in the regulations for 2008 have stopped them from putting pen to paper on a further contract for the moment.
Toyota have confirmed that they are stepping down from the Grand Prix Manufacturers Association, claiming they have achieved everything they set out to do since they entered the sport in 2002, while rumours have surfaced that McLaren could be ousted in favour of an all-Mercedes team should the German brand choose to buyout the team, something sources have suggested they are close to concluding.
NEWS FROM THE TEAMS:
Renault - Fernando Alonso (#1), Giancarlo Fisichella (#2):
Renault have been pushed onto the back foot ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix following the confirmation that their use of mass dampers is illegal, a blow that, should their claim of its importance to their car's performance come to fruition, could see their title challenge over.
The ruling comes after they suffered their first double retirement since last year's Canadian GP, allowing them to slip further into the clutches of Ferrari in the constructors' standings - seven points now separating them.
Renault nonetheless go to Turkey with their heads held high after a stronger showing from their R26 in Hungary, Fernando Alonso losing what looked like a comfortable win when a loose wheel nut forced him out.
Alonso was encouraged by his surge to the front from his penalty-influenced 15th on the grid, the Spaniard insisting that his form in Hungary shows he can produce a similar front running performance in Turkey.
"I'm feeling very positive," he said. "I am in the position where everybody wants to be - leading the championship, with the races counting down. There was some pressure on us after Germany, but the race in Hungary showed that the R26 is still very competitive, and that you have to take every weekend one at a time.
"Turkey will be a new race with its own challenges, but I am feeling confident. This type of circuit suits our car, and Michelin will bring good tyres. So we need to concentrate on our job, put the package together and make no mistakes. Then let's see what the race brings…"
Istanbul Park is also a favourite for Alonso having finished second there last year, the championship leader giving the track praise indeed by comparing it to the legendary Spa-Francorchamps.
"Parts of it are like a classic circuit such as Spa," he continued. "It is a very wide, modern circuit and there are plenty of overtaking opportunities. It features some special corners as well, which are blind when you go into them, so it's quite different to what we normally find on a new track.
"And of course, there is turn 8, which is a very long left-hander where we will probably be flat out with the V8 this year, with lateral loadings of 4G. It's a fun circuit, and this will be one of the season's important races."
Team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella is equally confident of a good result but he will need to bounce back from his retirement in the Hungarian GP, the Italian spinning off in the wet conditions that have earned him the status as one of the finest 'rain masters' over the years.
Luckily for the Italian, his retirement was met by a similar fate for Kimi Raikkonen and a meagre seventh place for Felipe Massa, his rivals in the fight for third place in the championship, earning him a reprieve he is unlikely to be gifted again.
Fisichella started last year's race from the front of the grid and went on to finish in fourth place. A similar result, particularly in light of the pressure being applied by Ferrari in the constructors' standings, will be imperative.
"I like the circuit a lot," he said. "It is one of the new generation circuits, and I felt comfortable straight away last year when I started running there. I started from the front row as well, and the car felt pretty good. I am confident we can be competitive in Turkey this year.
"Hungary was really disappointing for me. Normally, wet conditions like those are ones that really suit my driving style but the grip of the car was just not good in the race. I am really motivated for the last races of the championship."
McLaren - Kimi Raikkonen (#3), Pedro de la Rosa (#4):
Leading his second consecutive race from pole position, Kimi Raikkonen's bad luck returned in Hungary when he misjudged a move to lap Vitantonio Liuzzi, instead mounting the Scuderia Toro Rosso and denying himself a potential win
But Hungary also showcased McLaren's gradual return to prominence, with both Raikkonen and 'super-sub' team-mate Pedro de la Rosa showing front running pace.
Following their commanding performance there last year, with Raikkonen leading, almost, from lights-to-flag, McLaren look to continue that trend in Turkey.
Raikkonen may be fighting a different Renault this year but, with limited circuit data, the Finn is confident that the slight disadvantage he has to Renault and Ferrari will be levelled out by his speed.
"Although it is great for the team to have the short break, I am looking forward to getting back to racing, particularly as we are in Turkey this time out," he said.
"The Istanbul Speed Park is a terrific circuit, it is demanding on the cars, but great fun to drive, with lots of different types of corner, some straights and elevation changes.
Having claimed his maiden podium in Hungary, Pedro de le Rosa is riding on a wave of confidence going into the Turkish Grand Prix, a circuit he has experience of when he was McLaren-Mercedes' Friday test driver there last season.
"I cannot wait to race at the Istanbul Speed Park, it is a fantastic track, I had a lot of fun driving it in my role as Friday driver last year," de la Rosa said. "It was awesome to get the podium at the Hungaroring and my aim is now of course to get one step higher."
Ferrari - Michael Schumacher (#5), Felipe Massa (#6):
It was a race of up and downs for Ferrari in the Hungarian Grand Prix, a myriad of factors contributing to a disappointing, yet significant, seventh and eighth place finish.
Although recent form would not put Ferrari in those positions, lacklustre wet weather tyres, coupled to a penalty in qualifying meant Michael Schumacher had it all to do in the race.
But, as has been the case with the German over the years, he fought back gallantly to move into second place in the closing stages, benefiting from Alonso's mishap and almost certainly putting an eighth title within reach.
However, a collision with Nick Heidfeld three laps from the finish would see him classified in ninth place, a position that became eighth when Robert Kubica was later disqualified.
It was a missed opportunity for Schumacher to put yet more pressure on Alonso but, while he was frustrated to close the gap, he was content that the margin had not increased.
"Five chances to change the current situation and win the title," Schumacher said. "The positive news from the Hungary weekend was that I can still win by concentrating only on what I do. The challenge goes on and our chances are undimmed.
"We should not make the mistake of thinking that our chances dipped after Hungary. Instead we ought to look ahead; we could have found ourselves in a much worse position at this stage of the season. Our desire is exactly the same and Istanbul is a very important stage on the road to the title."
Ferrari will also no doubt be aided by Renault's failure to incorporate their mass damper system, something that arguably leaves Schumacher and Felipe Massa as favourites.
Massa will be eager for another good result, despite narrowly missing out on his maiden pole position in Turkey, while the Brazilian will be determined to eke away from Raikkonen and Fisichella for third in the points standings.
Toyota - Ralf Schumacher (#7), Jarno Trulli (#8):
Hungary was ultimately a missed opportunity for Toyota, the team at the whim of their ineffective wet weather Bridgestone, which left them unable to capitalise on their strong double top ten qualifying positions.
What was a strong run to the tail of the struggling Honda team a couple of rounds ago now looks like a lost cause following their rival's resurgence in form, Ralf Schumacher's sole sixth place also dropping them back into the clutches of BMW Sauber in the constructors' standings.
Nonetheless, Toyota's form has been strong of late and, although Honda may well have pulled fourth place out of reach, both Schumacher and Jarno Trulli are confident of a strong showing in Turkey to cement fifth place.
"We should go to Turkey looking to come away with a good finish. We've continued to improve our performance as the season has gone on and apart from the problems we suffered in Hungary we have been fast at the last few races," said Schumacher.
"We haven't brought home as many good results as we would have liked but the trend is clearly on its way up. The team has turned our situation around and it's a very good job that they have done. Now we have to build on that and come away with more points over the last few races."
Williams F1 - Mark Webber (#9), Nico Rosberg (#10):
Williams' abysmal season continued in Hungary as they suffered their fifth double DNF of the season, with Mark Webber spinning off on his Bridgestone tyres early on, and electrical gremlins forcing Nico Rosberg out soon after.
Slipping down to eighth place, the team's points drought has now stretched to eight races, and although awful reliability rather than lacklustre pace has often proved the reasoning behind their disappointment, it is a desperate situation for such a coveted team.
But, as ever, they are remaining positive, with improvements to the car being introduced - in spite of the testing ban. Nonetheless, Webber is being cautious about the competitiveness of his package.
"I'm certainly looking forward to getting back in the car after the break and it's good to be resuming the season in Turkey as last year's inaugural Grand Prix was a great hit with fans and drivers alike," he said.
"It's hard to predict how competitive we'll be next weekend but I hope we'll have an uneventful race day so we can demonstrate our potential to run strongly towards the front.
"Obviously there hasn't been any testing during the break, but the boys at the factory have been working hard so we should be well prepared as we head into the final part of the season."
Honda Racing F1 - Rubens Barrichello (#11), Jenson Button (#12):
With the pressure lifted from his shoulders and a win finally next to his name, Jenson Button's victory in the Hungarian Grand Prix has revived hopes that he can now challenge for victories on a regular basis - rain or no rain.
But, with three weeks to let the victory sink in, Button is eager not to get too carried away, admitting that things very much fell into place for Honda in Hungary, something they think is unlikely to happen in Turkey.
"It feels like it's been a complete whirlwind since our first win together two weeks ago but now that I've had the chance to celebrate properly and a week or so of rest and relaxation, I'm ready to get back in the car again and make the most of the remaining five races," Button said.
"There have been some very special moments over the past couple of weeks and I'll remember those for ever but it's time now to crack on with the Turkish Grand Prix and the rest of the season.
"In Hungary, everything came together for us when it counted and it has given the whole team renewed motivation. We never doubted our potential but now we know we are winners.
"There are likely to be challenging times again over the coming races but our car is well-suited to the Istanbul Park Circuit and we are capable of a good result there. I really enjoyed the circuit last year and had a good race so I'm looking forward to the weekend."
Team-mate Rubens Barrichello goes to Turkey ruing a missed Hungary opportunity when a poor tyre choice proved his undoing, the Brazilian having to play second fiddle to Button, despite equalling his best result of the year with fourth.
He will also hope to do better than last year's race, when he was consigned to problems from both his Bridgestone tyres and his uncompetitive Ferrari, eventually crossing the line in a lacklustre tenth place.
Red Bull Racing - David Coulthard (#14), Christian Klien (#15):
In the news thanks to their driver re-shuffle for 2007, Red Bull Racing go to Turkey now just needing confirmation as to what engines they will be using next season.
They also go there in the knowledge that they have pulled a further four points away from Williams in the constructors' standings following David Coulthard's measured drive to fifth place in Hungary.
Christian Klien - racing in Turkey with the knowledge that he won't be continuing with Red Bull from next season - endured a far tougher Hungarian Grand Prix, starting from the pit lane and then spinning out early on.
Red Bull had one of their strongest races of 2005 in Turkey when they belied a heavy fuel load to qualify well, subsequently proving as quick as Ferrari in the race, scoring three valuable points in the process.
With the midfield tightly bunched at the moment, points may be harder to come by this year, but it seems likely the consistent Coulthard will be there at the finish - he has finished ten of the thirteen races this season, compared to Klien's six.
BMW Sauber - Nick Heidfeld (#16), Robert Kubica (#17):
With Jacques Villeneuve's rather mysterious absence at Hungary now explained, attention has since turned on Robert Kubica, who is likely to remain in the BMW Sauber to the end of the year and probably into next season.
One of the stars of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Kubica may have spun twice in the race and eventually been disqualified on a technicality, but few could ignore that he out qualified his team-mate and ran a strong pace throughout the race in very difficult conditions for a debutant.
But despite his strong performance, Kubica was not entirely satisfied with his driving in Hungary, insisting he needs to eliminate mistakes if he wants to maintain his seat.
"Of course I am very much looking forward to my second Formula One race," the Pole said. "After the Hungarian Grand Prix I was not too happy about my driving because I made some mistakes. But on the other hand I saw under these conditions others made mistakes too, and I was also able to show some good driving.
"However, I learnt a lot in Hungary and this will help for the next grand prix. I have never raced in Istanbul; actually, I have never been to Istanbul at all. I watched last year's race on TV and I appreciated the layout of the track that provides overtaking opportunities, which always make for good racing."
Nick Heidfeld is going to Turkey on a high following his podium finish in Hungary, the German recording BMW's first top three result since they entered F1 as a fully fledged manufacturer.
MF1 Racing - Tiago Monteiro (#18), Christijan Albers (#19):
Having spent their summer break entertaining half a million eager fans in Rotterdam, MF1 Racing drivers Tiago Monteiro and Christijan Albers return to more serious surroundings in Turkey, eager to use the Istanbul Park's relatively new status to their advantage.
With both Monteiro and Albers having raced at the inaugural grand prix last season, they are hoping that they can get up to speed just as quickly as their experienced counterparts on a circuit that they both enjoy.
"Istanbul levels the playing field a bit between all the drivers in Formula 1, because it's still relatively new," Monteiro said. "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."
MF1 Racing will also bring more improvements to their M16 in Turkey, as they bid to break their points duck before the season draws to a close and before they could be bought out, as fevered rumours have again suggested.
"I spent the time working on my fitness and preparing for the remaining five races of the season, which will include some very challenging circuits," Albers added. "Istanbul will be a good place to match ourselves to our rivals and I hope that our developments will have further improved our position."
Scuderia Toro Rosso - Vitantonio Liuzzi (#20), Scott Speed (#21):
Scuderia Toro Rosso ran into further trouble in Hungary with regard to their restricted V10 power plant, after they were given a small power boost in qualifying in a bid to remain more competitive - a move that, unsurprisingly, angered several of their rivals.
STR has hit something of a development buffer with five races of the season remaining, with little they can do to extract more from the tried and tested engine.
But, while their power boost failed to give them an advantage in Hungary, the faster Istanbul Park circuit could prove a different matter.
Vitantonio Liuzzi was also in the wars in Hungary, being involved in a controversial clash with Kimi Raikkonen, an incident he owned up to immediately and duly apologised for.
However, it was only the first blow to hit the Italian that week following the announcement that there is no place in Red Bull's 'senior' line-up for him, as was being popularly predicted earlier in the season.
Nonetheless, both himself and Scott Speed look set to remain in their seats at STR next year, a reassurance that will no doubt help them towards a solid result in Turkey.
Super Aguri F1 - Takuma Sato (#22), Sakon Yamamoto (#23):
Super Aguri go to Turkey with further tweaks made to their still under-developed SA06 and, although no testing of the features have yet to take place, both Takuma Sato and Sakon Yamamoto are confident of fulfilling the team's continuous aim of closing the likes of Scuderia Toro Rosso and MF1.
"I am extremely excited about the Turkish Grand Prix because we will have a further aero update for the SA06 to complete our new car package," Sato said. "We have not been able to test the car during the break so we shall have to see how it performs when we reach Turkey this week.
"The new car package should improve our performance through the medium to high- speed corners which require efficient aero dynamics, so I am very much looking forward to the challenge of the Turkish Grand Prix."
TYRES:
Following a switch in wet weather supremacy, Bridgestone will be eager to restore order when Formula One returns to the likely 'dry' tarmac of Istanbul.
But Bridgestone also go to Turkey having been unable to tap into the circuit last year, Rubens Barrichello proving the best of the teams on Japanese rubber, down in tenth place.
"The Istanbul Park circuit is one of the fastest on the calendar," said Bridgestone's Hisao Suganuma. "Turn eight is a particularly long and fast corner which can be tough on the tyres. As the circuit is anti-clockwise, the front right tyre can be susceptible to high wear.
"However, what makes this circuit interesting is that the track surface itself is very smooth - similar to Monaco and Montreal - and consequently we require a tyre compound which can provide grip as well as durability.
"We are now entering a crucial stage of the championship and it is vital that our teams are in a position to take plenty of points and podiums in the remaining five races."
THE TRACK:
Race Distance: 58 laps - Circuit Length: 3.318 miles (5.340 kms)
Turkey made its Formula One debut last year at an all-new purpose-built circuit just outside Istanbul. The track was designed by Herman Tilke, the man behind the new circuits in Malaysia, Bahrain and China, and features fourteen turns - eight lefts and six rights - with the cars reaching speeds of up to 320kph along the two main straights.
An unusual feature is that the lap runs anti-clockwise, making the Turkish Grand Prix only the third race on the calendar to do so, San Marino and Brazil being the other two venues. It possesses a wide variety of turns - many replicating legendary corners from historic circuits around the world.
The character of the circuit is further enhanced by plenty of gradient changes - the most extreme of any current F1 track. As the F1 fraternity have come to expect from brand new venues, the facilities are equally as impressive.
THE WINNER?
With the exceptional circumstances of the Hungarian Grand Prix offering little to go on and just one Turkish Grand Prix to refer to, it is hard to put a driver at the top of the podium.
Michael Schumacher had an awful race last year, but no-one can count him out as a favourite, while Fernando Alonso claims his car is more competitive again, despite the loss of his crucial mass dampers.
However, with Jenson Button on a high and Kimi Raikkonen coming to Istanbul as last year's dominant force, the winner could come from several contenders.
LAST SEASON:
Kimi Raikkonen eased to victory in the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix, despite having to battle his way past the fast-starting Giancarlo Fisichella. Having got past the Italian, Raikkonen then coasted home ahead of Fernando Alonso.
But Alonso had a slice of luck in the shape of Juan Pablo Montoya, who spun in the closing laps whilst under pressure from the Spaniard, gifting him an invaluable extra two points and leaving the Colombian a rather bemused third.
Fisichella fell to fourth after pit stop troubles, just ahead of Jenson Button, who had a quiet race in fifth. Jarno Trulli was equally lonely in sixth, while Red Bull had one of their best performances of the year with David Coulthard and Christian Klien pushing each other along to seventh and eighth.
1. Kimi Raikkonen Finland McLaren-Mercedes 58 laps 1hr 24mins 34.454secs
2. Fernando Alonso Spain Renault-Renault +18.6s
3. Juan-Pablo Montoya Colombia McLaren-Mercedes +19.6s
4. Giancarlo Fisichella Italy Renault-Renault +37.9s
5. Jenson Button Britain BAR-Honda +39.3s
6. Jarno Trulli Italy Toyota-Toyota +55.4s
7. David Coulthard Britain Red Bull-Cosworth +1min 09.2s
8. Christian Klien Austria Red Bull-Cosworth +1min 11.6s
Many went to the least memorable of the F1 circuits expecting to coast through a weekend like you would a light-hearted movie which, while worthy, was hardly expected to be an Oscar winning blockbuster.
Who could predict a race with a billing that would see the two title favourites start from the midfield, or that a deluge of rain would prove a coming of age for many drivers, or that the performance of a lifetime would come in the shape of Jenson Button.
Even better, like many a classic sporting film plot, he did it from the back foot or, more precisely, 14th on the grid.
The 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix was up there with Spa 1998 or Suzuka 2005 in terms of excitement, thrills and plenty of spills.
But a repeat performance in Turkey is rather more unlikely and, with Alonso and Schumacher coming away from Hungary feeling rather bemused with proceedings, both will be determined to forget their failure to capitalise on one another's problems and hit back on F1's newest - but already most popular - circuits.
FIA F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS:
Arguably the biggest news ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix is the announcement that Mark Webber will be moving to Red Bull Racing for 2007, the Australian joining David Coulthard in a pairing that somewhat surprised those who thought the team would champion youth over experience.
Webber is joining a team that is expected to be among the front runners eventually, with next year's car being designed by Adrian Newey, while Renault are rumoured to be providing the engines.
But his arrival spells an exit for Christian Klien, the Austrian admitting his departure came as a surprise. Although he has reportedly been given two weeks to decide whether he wants to move with Red Bull into DTM and Champ Car, Klien insists he wants to remain in Formula One next year.
Jacques Villeneuve looks to have competed in Formula One for the final time after he chose to leave BMW Sauber when they could not guarantee his future.
With few offers available, Villeneuve is set to join Juan Pablo Montoya in NASCAR, while Robert Kubica, who debuted with the team in Hungary, is likely to keep his seat to the end of the season and probably for next year.
Indianapolis will remain the home of the United States Grand Prix in 2007 after a deal was struck between Tony George and Bernie Ecclestone. However, the deal is for just the one year and although IMS claim they want to host the US Grand Prix - much maligned after the 2005 tyre fiasco - in the future, changes in the regulations for 2008 have stopped them from putting pen to paper on a further contract for the moment.
Toyota have confirmed that they are stepping down from the Grand Prix Manufacturers Association, claiming they have achieved everything they set out to do since they entered the sport in 2002, while rumours have surfaced that McLaren could be ousted in favour of an all-Mercedes team should the German brand choose to buyout the team, something sources have suggested they are close to concluding.
NEWS FROM THE TEAMS:
Renault - Fernando Alonso (#1), Giancarlo Fisichella (#2):
Renault have been pushed onto the back foot ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix following the confirmation that their use of mass dampers is illegal, a blow that, should their claim of its importance to their car's performance come to fruition, could see their title challenge over.
The ruling comes after they suffered their first double retirement since last year's Canadian GP, allowing them to slip further into the clutches of Ferrari in the constructors' standings - seven points now separating them.
Renault nonetheless go to Turkey with their heads held high after a stronger showing from their R26 in Hungary, Fernando Alonso losing what looked like a comfortable win when a loose wheel nut forced him out.
Alonso was encouraged by his surge to the front from his penalty-influenced 15th on the grid, the Spaniard insisting that his form in Hungary shows he can produce a similar front running performance in Turkey.
"I'm feeling very positive," he said. "I am in the position where everybody wants to be - leading the championship, with the races counting down. There was some pressure on us after Germany, but the race in Hungary showed that the R26 is still very competitive, and that you have to take every weekend one at a time.
"Turkey will be a new race with its own challenges, but I am feeling confident. This type of circuit suits our car, and Michelin will bring good tyres. So we need to concentrate on our job, put the package together and make no mistakes. Then let's see what the race brings…"
Istanbul Park is also a favourite for Alonso having finished second there last year, the championship leader giving the track praise indeed by comparing it to the legendary Spa-Francorchamps.
"Parts of it are like a classic circuit such as Spa," he continued. "It is a very wide, modern circuit and there are plenty of overtaking opportunities. It features some special corners as well, which are blind when you go into them, so it's quite different to what we normally find on a new track.
"And of course, there is turn 8, which is a very long left-hander where we will probably be flat out with the V8 this year, with lateral loadings of 4G. It's a fun circuit, and this will be one of the season's important races."
Team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella is equally confident of a good result but he will need to bounce back from his retirement in the Hungarian GP, the Italian spinning off in the wet conditions that have earned him the status as one of the finest 'rain masters' over the years.
Luckily for the Italian, his retirement was met by a similar fate for Kimi Raikkonen and a meagre seventh place for Felipe Massa, his rivals in the fight for third place in the championship, earning him a reprieve he is unlikely to be gifted again.
Fisichella started last year's race from the front of the grid and went on to finish in fourth place. A similar result, particularly in light of the pressure being applied by Ferrari in the constructors' standings, will be imperative.
"I like the circuit a lot," he said. "It is one of the new generation circuits, and I felt comfortable straight away last year when I started running there. I started from the front row as well, and the car felt pretty good. I am confident we can be competitive in Turkey this year.
"Hungary was really disappointing for me. Normally, wet conditions like those are ones that really suit my driving style but the grip of the car was just not good in the race. I am really motivated for the last races of the championship."
McLaren - Kimi Raikkonen (#3), Pedro de la Rosa (#4):
Leading his second consecutive race from pole position, Kimi Raikkonen's bad luck returned in Hungary when he misjudged a move to lap Vitantonio Liuzzi, instead mounting the Scuderia Toro Rosso and denying himself a potential win
But Hungary also showcased McLaren's gradual return to prominence, with both Raikkonen and 'super-sub' team-mate Pedro de la Rosa showing front running pace.
Following their commanding performance there last year, with Raikkonen leading, almost, from lights-to-flag, McLaren look to continue that trend in Turkey.
Raikkonen may be fighting a different Renault this year but, with limited circuit data, the Finn is confident that the slight disadvantage he has to Renault and Ferrari will be levelled out by his speed.
"Although it is great for the team to have the short break, I am looking forward to getting back to racing, particularly as we are in Turkey this time out," he said.
"The Istanbul Speed Park is a terrific circuit, it is demanding on the cars, but great fun to drive, with lots of different types of corner, some straights and elevation changes.
Having claimed his maiden podium in Hungary, Pedro de le Rosa is riding on a wave of confidence going into the Turkish Grand Prix, a circuit he has experience of when he was McLaren-Mercedes' Friday test driver there last season.
"I cannot wait to race at the Istanbul Speed Park, it is a fantastic track, I had a lot of fun driving it in my role as Friday driver last year," de la Rosa said. "It was awesome to get the podium at the Hungaroring and my aim is now of course to get one step higher."
Ferrari - Michael Schumacher (#5), Felipe Massa (#6):
It was a race of up and downs for Ferrari in the Hungarian Grand Prix, a myriad of factors contributing to a disappointing, yet significant, seventh and eighth place finish.
Although recent form would not put Ferrari in those positions, lacklustre wet weather tyres, coupled to a penalty in qualifying meant Michael Schumacher had it all to do in the race.
But, as has been the case with the German over the years, he fought back gallantly to move into second place in the closing stages, benefiting from Alonso's mishap and almost certainly putting an eighth title within reach.
However, a collision with Nick Heidfeld three laps from the finish would see him classified in ninth place, a position that became eighth when Robert Kubica was later disqualified.
It was a missed opportunity for Schumacher to put yet more pressure on Alonso but, while he was frustrated to close the gap, he was content that the margin had not increased.
"Five chances to change the current situation and win the title," Schumacher said. "The positive news from the Hungary weekend was that I can still win by concentrating only on what I do. The challenge goes on and our chances are undimmed.
"We should not make the mistake of thinking that our chances dipped after Hungary. Instead we ought to look ahead; we could have found ourselves in a much worse position at this stage of the season. Our desire is exactly the same and Istanbul is a very important stage on the road to the title."
Ferrari will also no doubt be aided by Renault's failure to incorporate their mass damper system, something that arguably leaves Schumacher and Felipe Massa as favourites.
Massa will be eager for another good result, despite narrowly missing out on his maiden pole position in Turkey, while the Brazilian will be determined to eke away from Raikkonen and Fisichella for third in the points standings.
Toyota - Ralf Schumacher (#7), Jarno Trulli (#8):
Hungary was ultimately a missed opportunity for Toyota, the team at the whim of their ineffective wet weather Bridgestone, which left them unable to capitalise on their strong double top ten qualifying positions.
What was a strong run to the tail of the struggling Honda team a couple of rounds ago now looks like a lost cause following their rival's resurgence in form, Ralf Schumacher's sole sixth place also dropping them back into the clutches of BMW Sauber in the constructors' standings.
Nonetheless, Toyota's form has been strong of late and, although Honda may well have pulled fourth place out of reach, both Schumacher and Jarno Trulli are confident of a strong showing in Turkey to cement fifth place.
"We should go to Turkey looking to come away with a good finish. We've continued to improve our performance as the season has gone on and apart from the problems we suffered in Hungary we have been fast at the last few races," said Schumacher.
"We haven't brought home as many good results as we would have liked but the trend is clearly on its way up. The team has turned our situation around and it's a very good job that they have done. Now we have to build on that and come away with more points over the last few races."
Williams F1 - Mark Webber (#9), Nico Rosberg (#10):
Williams' abysmal season continued in Hungary as they suffered their fifth double DNF of the season, with Mark Webber spinning off on his Bridgestone tyres early on, and electrical gremlins forcing Nico Rosberg out soon after.
Slipping down to eighth place, the team's points drought has now stretched to eight races, and although awful reliability rather than lacklustre pace has often proved the reasoning behind their disappointment, it is a desperate situation for such a coveted team.
But, as ever, they are remaining positive, with improvements to the car being introduced - in spite of the testing ban. Nonetheless, Webber is being cautious about the competitiveness of his package.
"I'm certainly looking forward to getting back in the car after the break and it's good to be resuming the season in Turkey as last year's inaugural Grand Prix was a great hit with fans and drivers alike," he said.
"It's hard to predict how competitive we'll be next weekend but I hope we'll have an uneventful race day so we can demonstrate our potential to run strongly towards the front.
"Obviously there hasn't been any testing during the break, but the boys at the factory have been working hard so we should be well prepared as we head into the final part of the season."
Honda Racing F1 - Rubens Barrichello (#11), Jenson Button (#12):
With the pressure lifted from his shoulders and a win finally next to his name, Jenson Button's victory in the Hungarian Grand Prix has revived hopes that he can now challenge for victories on a regular basis - rain or no rain.
But, with three weeks to let the victory sink in, Button is eager not to get too carried away, admitting that things very much fell into place for Honda in Hungary, something they think is unlikely to happen in Turkey.
"It feels like it's been a complete whirlwind since our first win together two weeks ago but now that I've had the chance to celebrate properly and a week or so of rest and relaxation, I'm ready to get back in the car again and make the most of the remaining five races," Button said.
"There have been some very special moments over the past couple of weeks and I'll remember those for ever but it's time now to crack on with the Turkish Grand Prix and the rest of the season.
"In Hungary, everything came together for us when it counted and it has given the whole team renewed motivation. We never doubted our potential but now we know we are winners.
"There are likely to be challenging times again over the coming races but our car is well-suited to the Istanbul Park Circuit and we are capable of a good result there. I really enjoyed the circuit last year and had a good race so I'm looking forward to the weekend."
Team-mate Rubens Barrichello goes to Turkey ruing a missed Hungary opportunity when a poor tyre choice proved his undoing, the Brazilian having to play second fiddle to Button, despite equalling his best result of the year with fourth.
He will also hope to do better than last year's race, when he was consigned to problems from both his Bridgestone tyres and his uncompetitive Ferrari, eventually crossing the line in a lacklustre tenth place.
Red Bull Racing - David Coulthard (#14), Christian Klien (#15):
In the news thanks to their driver re-shuffle for 2007, Red Bull Racing go to Turkey now just needing confirmation as to what engines they will be using next season.
They also go there in the knowledge that they have pulled a further four points away from Williams in the constructors' standings following David Coulthard's measured drive to fifth place in Hungary.
Christian Klien - racing in Turkey with the knowledge that he won't be continuing with Red Bull from next season - endured a far tougher Hungarian Grand Prix, starting from the pit lane and then spinning out early on.
Red Bull had one of their strongest races of 2005 in Turkey when they belied a heavy fuel load to qualify well, subsequently proving as quick as Ferrari in the race, scoring three valuable points in the process.
With the midfield tightly bunched at the moment, points may be harder to come by this year, but it seems likely the consistent Coulthard will be there at the finish - he has finished ten of the thirteen races this season, compared to Klien's six.
BMW Sauber - Nick Heidfeld (#16), Robert Kubica (#17):
With Jacques Villeneuve's rather mysterious absence at Hungary now explained, attention has since turned on Robert Kubica, who is likely to remain in the BMW Sauber to the end of the year and probably into next season.
One of the stars of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Kubica may have spun twice in the race and eventually been disqualified on a technicality, but few could ignore that he out qualified his team-mate and ran a strong pace throughout the race in very difficult conditions for a debutant.
But despite his strong performance, Kubica was not entirely satisfied with his driving in Hungary, insisting he needs to eliminate mistakes if he wants to maintain his seat.
"Of course I am very much looking forward to my second Formula One race," the Pole said. "After the Hungarian Grand Prix I was not too happy about my driving because I made some mistakes. But on the other hand I saw under these conditions others made mistakes too, and I was also able to show some good driving.
"However, I learnt a lot in Hungary and this will help for the next grand prix. I have never raced in Istanbul; actually, I have never been to Istanbul at all. I watched last year's race on TV and I appreciated the layout of the track that provides overtaking opportunities, which always make for good racing."
Nick Heidfeld is going to Turkey on a high following his podium finish in Hungary, the German recording BMW's first top three result since they entered F1 as a fully fledged manufacturer.
MF1 Racing - Tiago Monteiro (#18), Christijan Albers (#19):
Having spent their summer break entertaining half a million eager fans in Rotterdam, MF1 Racing drivers Tiago Monteiro and Christijan Albers return to more serious surroundings in Turkey, eager to use the Istanbul Park's relatively new status to their advantage.
With both Monteiro and Albers having raced at the inaugural grand prix last season, they are hoping that they can get up to speed just as quickly as their experienced counterparts on a circuit that they both enjoy.
"Istanbul levels the playing field a bit between all the drivers in Formula 1, because it's still relatively new," Monteiro said. "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."
MF1 Racing will also bring more improvements to their M16 in Turkey, as they bid to break their points duck before the season draws to a close and before they could be bought out, as fevered rumours have again suggested.
"I spent the time working on my fitness and preparing for the remaining five races of the season, which will include some very challenging circuits," Albers added. "Istanbul will be a good place to match ourselves to our rivals and I hope that our developments will have further improved our position."
Scuderia Toro Rosso - Vitantonio Liuzzi (#20), Scott Speed (#21):
Scuderia Toro Rosso ran into further trouble in Hungary with regard to their restricted V10 power plant, after they were given a small power boost in qualifying in a bid to remain more competitive - a move that, unsurprisingly, angered several of their rivals.
STR has hit something of a development buffer with five races of the season remaining, with little they can do to extract more from the tried and tested engine.
But, while their power boost failed to give them an advantage in Hungary, the faster Istanbul Park circuit could prove a different matter.
Vitantonio Liuzzi was also in the wars in Hungary, being involved in a controversial clash with Kimi Raikkonen, an incident he owned up to immediately and duly apologised for.
However, it was only the first blow to hit the Italian that week following the announcement that there is no place in Red Bull's 'senior' line-up for him, as was being popularly predicted earlier in the season.
Nonetheless, both himself and Scott Speed look set to remain in their seats at STR next year, a reassurance that will no doubt help them towards a solid result in Turkey.
Super Aguri F1 - Takuma Sato (#22), Sakon Yamamoto (#23):
Super Aguri go to Turkey with further tweaks made to their still under-developed SA06 and, although no testing of the features have yet to take place, both Takuma Sato and Sakon Yamamoto are confident of fulfilling the team's continuous aim of closing the likes of Scuderia Toro Rosso and MF1.
"I am extremely excited about the Turkish Grand Prix because we will have a further aero update for the SA06 to complete our new car package," Sato said. "We have not been able to test the car during the break so we shall have to see how it performs when we reach Turkey this week.
"The new car package should improve our performance through the medium to high- speed corners which require efficient aero dynamics, so I am very much looking forward to the challenge of the Turkish Grand Prix."
TYRES:
Following a switch in wet weather supremacy, Bridgestone will be eager to restore order when Formula One returns to the likely 'dry' tarmac of Istanbul.
But Bridgestone also go to Turkey having been unable to tap into the circuit last year, Rubens Barrichello proving the best of the teams on Japanese rubber, down in tenth place.
"The Istanbul Park circuit is one of the fastest on the calendar," said Bridgestone's Hisao Suganuma. "Turn eight is a particularly long and fast corner which can be tough on the tyres. As the circuit is anti-clockwise, the front right tyre can be susceptible to high wear.
"However, what makes this circuit interesting is that the track surface itself is very smooth - similar to Monaco and Montreal - and consequently we require a tyre compound which can provide grip as well as durability.
"We are now entering a crucial stage of the championship and it is vital that our teams are in a position to take plenty of points and podiums in the remaining five races."
THE TRACK:
Race Distance: 58 laps - Circuit Length: 3.318 miles (5.340 kms)
Turkey made its Formula One debut last year at an all-new purpose-built circuit just outside Istanbul. The track was designed by Herman Tilke, the man behind the new circuits in Malaysia, Bahrain and China, and features fourteen turns - eight lefts and six rights - with the cars reaching speeds of up to 320kph along the two main straights.
An unusual feature is that the lap runs anti-clockwise, making the Turkish Grand Prix only the third race on the calendar to do so, San Marino and Brazil being the other two venues. It possesses a wide variety of turns - many replicating legendary corners from historic circuits around the world.
The character of the circuit is further enhanced by plenty of gradient changes - the most extreme of any current F1 track. As the F1 fraternity have come to expect from brand new venues, the facilities are equally as impressive.
THE WINNER?
With the exceptional circumstances of the Hungarian Grand Prix offering little to go on and just one Turkish Grand Prix to refer to, it is hard to put a driver at the top of the podium.
Michael Schumacher had an awful race last year, but no-one can count him out as a favourite, while Fernando Alonso claims his car is more competitive again, despite the loss of his crucial mass dampers.
However, with Jenson Button on a high and Kimi Raikkonen coming to Istanbul as last year's dominant force, the winner could come from several contenders.
LAST SEASON:
Kimi Raikkonen eased to victory in the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix, despite having to battle his way past the fast-starting Giancarlo Fisichella. Having got past the Italian, Raikkonen then coasted home ahead of Fernando Alonso.
But Alonso had a slice of luck in the shape of Juan Pablo Montoya, who spun in the closing laps whilst under pressure from the Spaniard, gifting him an invaluable extra two points and leaving the Colombian a rather bemused third.
Fisichella fell to fourth after pit stop troubles, just ahead of Jenson Button, who had a quiet race in fifth. Jarno Trulli was equally lonely in sixth, while Red Bull had one of their best performances of the year with David Coulthard and Christian Klien pushing each other along to seventh and eighth.
1. Kimi Raikkonen Finland McLaren-Mercedes 58 laps 1hr 24mins 34.454secs
2. Fernando Alonso Spain Renault-Renault +18.6s
3. Juan-Pablo Montoya Colombia McLaren-Mercedes +19.6s
4. Giancarlo Fisichella Italy Renault-Renault +37.9s
5. Jenson Button Britain BAR-Honda +39.3s
6. Jarno Trulli Italy Toyota-Toyota +55.4s
7. David Coulthard Britain Red Bull-Cosworth +1min 09.2s
8. Christian Klien Austria Red Bull-Cosworth +1min 11.6s