Webber visits Turkish site

On April 29th Jaguar Racing's Mark Webber became the first Formula One driver to visit the site of next year's inaugural Turkish Grand Prix when he dropped by to check out construction of the circuit, while in Istanbul on promotional duties for team sponsor, Becks.

Mark Webber.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

The 5.37km undulating circuit -- which is situated on the Asian side of the historic city -- is set to host its first Grand Prix next summer and Webber gave it the thumbs up after being briefed on the project and taken on a guided tour to view the track layout and the work in progress.

"It's going to be a pretty impressive race track," Webber told the Turkish media. "There's one section which leads on the back straight which they are telling me is going to be quite heavily banked -- I can't wait to tackle it in a F1 car! It's quite bizarre to be driving down what will be the main straight on mud and soil, but you can already see things taking shape.

"The work they've done in only 150 days is very impressive and having met with the site's technical management, they are really thinking a long way ahead to ensure the track provides the best possible for the drivers, the fans at the track and those watching on TV.

"I know the project is something the Turkish people are very proud of and I'm sure the first Grand Prix will be a great sporting event for the whole country as well as a tremendous challenge for the teams and drivers."

-jaguar-