Darry Worthington previews the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix which will be staged at the Istanbul Track on Sunday the 15th of November.
Image copyright – Steve Haag Sports
It is looking rather likely that Lewis Hamilton will secure his 7th Drivers’ Championship title this weekend in Turkey. The ‘Brit needs a 78 point advantage over teammate Valterri Bottas at the close of this weekend’s race to claim the title. He’s in with every chance of this as a win in Turkey would see him claim the 2020 title, regardless of where Bottas finishes.
Turkish Grand Prix
Sunday 15 September
Istanbul Track
To Win Race Outright
Lewis Hamilton 4/10
Valterri Bottas 7/2
Max Verstappen 5/1
Daniel Ricciardo 66/1
Sergio Perez 66/1
Charles LeClerc 66/1
Alexander Albion 66/1
Pierre Gasly 100/1
Previous Race
Well, it was the Mercedes show once again out in Italy as Lewis Hamilton pipped his teammate Valterri Bottas to top honors at the Emilia Romangna. Bottas was able to bring his car home in second and ensure Mercedes claimed yet another one-two finish. The Silver Arrows duo was joined on the podium by Daniel Ricciardo, with the Aussie’s fine run of form being rewarded with his first podium finish of the year.
Following the Australian across the line was his former Red Bull teammate, Daniil Kvyat, who claimed fourth. The remainder of the top six featured Ferrari’s Charles LeClerc and Sergio Perez.
There were a few veterans left occupying the remaining positions in the top ten with Carlos Sainz claiming seventh and Kimi Raikonnen taking ninth. The two experienced campaigners were joined in the top ten by Lando Norris (ninth) and Antonio Giovananzzi (tenth).
Track
It’s been nine years since an F1 race has been staged out in Turkey. Situated in the country’s capital, the Istanbul Racing Circuit or Intercity track is a rather impressive venue that features a track with a number of straights and some sweeping corners.
In total, drivers will face 14 turns this Sunday with the most challenging of which being the sequence between turns four, five and six. The lap distance on Sunday will be 5.338 kilometers
In terms of weather conditions for the weekend, we can expect temperatures in the low teens and partly cloudy skies for the Friday practice sessions and Sunday’s main race. The forecast is currently predicting a bit of rain to fall during Saturday’s qualifying sessions, which could make things rather interesting.
Value Bet
Podium Finish – Charles LeClerc – Yes @ 7/2
I think we may see Ferrari come good out in Turkey. LeClerc did alright in the last race finishing in fifth place. If he can get a bit more out of his Prancing Stag, then we may well see the Ferrari man on the podium come the end of Sunday’s race.
To Win Race Outright
Lewis Hamilton 4/10
The ‘Brit has the Drivers Championship and Michael Schumacher’s championship record dangling in front of him and I think this will fire him on in Turkey.
Hamilton won out in Turkey back in 2010 and I reckon he’ll grab his second win in the country this coming weekend.
