Construction of the Istanbul Park Circuit was a massive project backed by both private and public entities in order to establish an international-standard race circuit in the Turkish metropolis. Two M-shaped corner complexes, plus a unique combination of three interconnected straights distinguish the circuit, which was designed by Hermann Tilke.

Following its opening in the 2005, the circuit found itself with a densely-packed motorsport program, including rounds of the Formula 1 and MotoGP World Championships. A total of 125 000 spectators can be accommodated in the circuit's ten grandstands and five general admission viewing areas. The winner of the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix was Finland's Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen.