- Baku European Grand Prix
Layout for Baku street circuit revealed
The circuit layout for the Baku European Grand Prix in Azerbaijan has been revealed by Bernie Ecclestone and the country's Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov.
The race is set to join the calendar in 2016 and will take place on the streets of Baku, Azerbaijan's capital city. The anti-clockwise track has many characteristics of a street circuit, such as right-angle bends, but also features a tight and twisty section in the city's old town as well as a very long high-speed section at the end of the lap.
"Azerbaijan is the latest addition to the Formula One calendar and I am pleased to see they have designed an innovative new street circuit that will definitely help to create a world class event when we race there in 2016," Bernie Ecclestone said.
The circuit is designed to take in some of the city's landmarks and has been mapped out by F1 track designer Hermann Tilke.
"I am absolutely thrilled about the Baku European Grand Prix project and delighted we can now unveil the track design," Tilke said. "We have created a challenging street circuit, in terms of engineering and design, and one that thrives on Baku's very attractive urban atmosphere and its great combination of history and 21st century style. The historic city centre, the beautiful seaside promenade and the impressive government house all combine to provide the perfect backdrop for a spectacular new track.
"Obviously street circuits present a number of challenges, in terms of circuit design, but we have been able to incorporate some unique features that will provide the teams and fans with fascinating racing. For example, there will be an extremely narrow uphill section at the old town wall that will reward pinpoint accuracy and courage, and we have an acceleration section of almost 2.2kms along the promenade which will see the cars running flat out at very high top speeds - something that will create an incredible spectacle for the race fans on track and the viewers at home."
Rahimov said the challenge of turning the track into a reality would start in the next few months.
"Now the next phase of hard work begins and we are all excited about seeing the circuit evolve over the coming months. We know there will be challenges, but with the support of Mr Ecclestone, Tilke Engineering and everyone involved in helping to create F1's newest Grand Prix, we know we will deliver a spectacular event in 2016 that will add to Azerbaraijan's well-earned reputation as a modern European country that is the perfect venue for the planet's highest profile sports and entertainment events."
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