Turkish Grand Prix 2011 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Sebastian Vettel bounced back from his Chinese defeat with a commanding victory at the Turkish Grand Prix, leading home teammate Mark Webber for Red Bull's first one-two finish of the season at the magnificent Istanbul Park circuit. The German driver's dominant performance, coupled with Webber's strong supporting role and Fernando Alonso's third place for Ferrari, reestablished Red Bull's superiority and demonstrated that Hamilton's China win had been an anomaly rather than a turning point.

Starting from pole position with a lap of 1:25.049, Vettel controlled the race from the front with his trademark precision, managing the challenging Istanbul Park layout with supreme confidence. The circuit's legendary Turn 8 - a quadruple-apex left-hander taken flat-out in top gear - separated the best from the rest, and Vettel's ability to carry speed through this section was mesmerizing. The Red Bull RB7's aerodynamic efficiency and exhaust-blown diffuser technology gave both drivers a decisive advantage, allowing them to dominate proceedings. Vettel managed his tires expertly through the long, sweeping corners that characterized Istanbul Park, maintaining pace throughout each stint.

Webber delivered his best performance of the season to secure second place, finally showing the form that had made him a championship contender in 2010. The Australian set the fastest lap and demonstrated that when both Red Bulls finished, they were in a class of their own. Alonso drove a strong race to claim third for Ferrari, continuing the Scuderia's gradual improvement and securing crucial championship points. Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button could only manage fourth and fifth for McLaren, unable to match Red Bull's pace. The race marked the final Turkish Grand Prix for the foreseeable future, with financial difficulties leading to Istanbul Park's removal from the calendar after 2011. Vettel's victory extended his championship lead and sent a clear message that Red Bull remained the dominant force - Hamilton's China win notwithstanding.