Formula 1 to show historic and modern Baku to world

/By Azernews/

By Amina Nazarli

With the approach of the speediest race of the year -- Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe – in Baku, the capital city finalizes preparations for the event.

The second longest F1 track on the calendar, with a length slightly over six km as an anti-clockwise layout, the Baku City Circuit promises to be entertaining and very curious, for both racers and spectators.

The specially constructed Baku City Circuit will see Formula 1 cars to race around the picturesque streets of downtown Baku, incorporating the city’s UNESCO-protected old town – Icheri Sheher - as well as its modern skyline and beautiful Caspian Sea vista in front of a global audience of millions on the weekend of June 17-19.

To put the finishing touches to the track, famed architect Hermann Tilke, who is the author of the City Circuit, arrived in Baku to familiarize himself with the preparation process.

“There are five weeks prior to the start of the Formula 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE to take place in Baku,” Tilke stated at the press conference. “It is continued to prepare according to the schedule. However, we have still a lot to be done.”

Noting that the track will be ready in due time, the expert said that process of laying of a new asphalt covering on the road was already completed.

“Now, the construction of concrete blocks and fences is underway. The preparation meets high standards, with the work of professional experts. Taking into consideration the abrupt turns of the Baku City Circuit we have brought special barriers of safety from the U.S. and established along the track. These barriers are used also at other competitions of the Grand Prix. They also for the first time will be used at the Le Mans automobile competitions to take place in France," he emphasized.

Tilke noted that he talked to several world famous pilots of Formula 1, concerning the Baku City Circuit and informed them on complexity and uniqueness of the track.

“Pilots have told that they look forward to the Baku Grand Prix. The most interesting part of the Baku City Circuit is the narrow street opposite to the Gosha Gala (Twin Towers) Gate. This road raises the track originality even more.

The most famous pilots of the world will take part in the Grand Prix of Europe organized in Baku, and I don't think that this part of the track will create them problems. Accidents at the competitions "Formula One" are inevitable. For this purpose, there are available enough talented marshals who participated in the international trainings. I hope that marshals will adequately cope with the duties in case of accident", the Baku City Circuit architect stressed.

Noting that earlier three options of the Baku City Circuit have been developed, the expert explained that the reason of the choice of this track is to bring the historic and modern view of Baku to the world community.