Baku race set for evening start, Le Mans clash

Azerbaijan’s inaugural Formula One race will get under way at 6pm local time (2pm, GMT), which coincides with the end of the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours.

The maiden Baku event had initially been set for July 15-17 but the FIA then issued a revised calendar that brought the street race forward to the June 17-19 weekend, namely when the French endurance classic is organised.

FIA president Jean Todt previously said he was “sorry” for the clash of dates, but also insisted that timings would be arranged to make sure both events do not overlap.

As it stands however, this year’s European Grand Prix will start at the same time as Le Mans racers complete the twice-around-the-clock event on Sunday 19 June.

What’s more, with qualifying in Baku scheduled exactly 24 hours earlier – 6pm on Saturday –, Q1 will get underway when the French classic kicks off at La Sarthe.

With sunset in Azerbaijan taking place at around 9pm local time in June, F1 drivers are likely to race into the twilight, raising concerns about safety.

Reports recently surfaced about the oil-dependent nation having to forgo its maiden F1 grand prix due to financial troubles, but Baku City Circuit organisers swiftly dismissed the allegations and insist the race will happen.

Feature: Red Bull's coolest show runs

Key dates for the 2016 F1 season

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Komatsu: F1 teams united against Audi 2026 cost-cap offset

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has revealed that nine Formula 1 teams stand in opposition…

31 mins ago

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton leads Mercedes 1-2 in trouble-free FP1

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell led the field in a chilly but trouble-free first practice…

2 hours ago

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Free Practice 1 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 1 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in the United…

2 hours ago

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

11 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

12 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

14 hours ago