Stroll returns to the site of 'best moment of my career'

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Lance Stroll returns this weekend to Istanbul Park, the track that provided the Aston Martin driver in 2020 with "the best moment" in his motorsport career.

Almost eleven months ago in Turkey, Stroll achieved a remarkable pole position in Turkey, mastering the elements to trounce his rivals and becoming the first Canadian to do so in qualifying since Jacques Villeneuve in 1997.

On race day, held again in treacherous conditions due to the circuit's low-grip surface, the Racing Point charger held his own at the top of the field for 32 laps before a damaged front wing thwarted his efforts and pushed him down the order to P9 where he finished.

But Stroll will forever cherish the memory of what he sees as the high point so far in his F1 career.

"My first experience of Turkey last year gave me one of the best moments of my career when I took pole position before leading laps on Sunday," he remembered ahared of this weekend's round in Turkey.

"Those experiences showcased how challenging the track can be. Grip can be difficult to find, but that makes for a constant challenge.

"I’m looking forward to getting back out there and aiming for points."

So far, the 22-year-old Canadian has scored seven top-ten finishes this season with his best result coming at Monza where he crossed the checkered flag P7.

Read also: Aston Martin to consider setting up young driver program

Aston teammate Sebastian Vettel, whose best result this year was achieved in Baku where the German finished second behind Red Bull's Sergio Perez, clocked in third last year in the Turkish Grand Prix.

The four-time world champion is a big fan of Istanbul Park's scenic layout and especially of its daunting Turn Eight sequence of corners.

"One of the most rewarding challenges at Istanbul Park is trying to take Turn Eight flat," says Vettel.

"It’s a 260km/h corner, with plenty of bumps, and a blind entry – so it’s always fun.

"I really enjoyed my race in Turkey last year, and I’ll be pushing to fight strongly in the midfield once again this weekend."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.