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.