Turkey hosted its first race in 2005, pushing the already packed Formula One schedule out to 19 races for the first time.

Work on the new Herman Tilke designed 5.333 KM circuit began with a ground breaking ceremony performed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey in September 2003 with Grandstand construction starting in June of 2004 and come January of 2005, the circuit landscaping was fully underway.

While the finishing touches were being applied the F1 circus arrived for the inaugural event. A massive success it was too with fans and the drivers alike very impressed with the undulating fast circuit.

From the Pole Position, Kimi Raikkonen took the honour of winning the first Turkish Grand Prix for McLaren Mercedes. Juan Pablo Montoya looked all set to make it a one-two result for the squad only for a late race incident with the lapped Jordan of Tiago Monteiro saw him drop a position to Fernando Alonso.

Felipe Massa secured his first Grand Prix victory in 2006 in Turkey from the pole. Behind there was a terrific scrap over second position between Alonso and Michael Schumacher. The Renault driver would eventually hold off Schumacher, crossing the line just half a car length clear to take the runner up position.

Massa made it back to back success in 2007 as he held off a charge from Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen while Lewis Hamilton seemed set for third position until a puncture sent him to the pits and down the order.

The 2008 Turkish Grand Prix saw Lewis Hamilton take a daring three stop strategy compared the usual two stop strategies used by his rivals. Massa once again claimed the pole position and led the way in the early stages. Hamilton was able to catch and pass the Ferrari driver mid-race but was unable to pull enough of an advantage to retain the lead following this third and final pit stop. Massa scored the win four seconds clear of Hamilton with Raikkonen third.