By the time the Turkish Grand Prix was added to the Formula 1 calendar in 2005, the paddock's initial enthusiasm for the modern Hermann Tilke-designed tracks was beginning to wane.

The feeling was that the new circuits' mix of long, wide straights, tight corners, and the odd flowing sequence was becoming too formulaic and predictable, and few expected any surprises from Istanbul.

So the new Turkish track was an absolute breath of fresh air.

Varied, undulating, and packed with overtaking opportunities, it had a much more ‘natural' feeling about it than the other new circuits, and instantly became a firm favourite with drivers.

The never-ending turn eight, a fast, multi-apex sweeper, is rightly regarded as the track's highlight.

Kimi Raikkonen dominated the inaugural race in 2005, but was unimpressed to see his McLaren team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya hand second place to Raikkonen's title rival Fernando Alonso after tangling with a backmarker.

The battle for second was the centre of attention again a year later, as Alonso drove mightily to hold off Michael Schumacher in the closing laps.

Both were upstaged that day by Felipe Massa, who cruised to a commanding maiden win and then produced a repeat performance in 2007.

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