F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Baku Speed Trap: who is the fastest of them all?

Baku is not only the second-longest circuit on the F1 race calendar - after Spa - but it's also the fastest street circuit.

It's main straight is also the second longest in F1, behind Shanghai, so top speeds are an important component of a fast lap in Baku.

Haas' Kevin Magnussen enjoyed the fastest top speed in qualifying yesterday, clocking in at 330.0 km/h.

Despite being powered by a year-old Ferrari engine, Sauber's C36 has demonstrated this year its velocity in a straight line, with Marcus Ericsson speeding down Baku at 330.1 km/h, a performance which also underlines his chassis' weakness in the corners unfortunately.

At the other end of the spectrum, McLaren lingers unsurprisingly with bit Alonso and Vandoorne suffering a approximate 15 km/h deficit to the fastest cars.

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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.