Categories: CircuitsF1 News, Reports and Race Results

Alonso checks out new Baku circuit

©BakuCityCircuit

Fernando Alonso has visited the new Baku street circuit ahead of the inaugural Grand Prix of Europe in Azerbaijan this year.

The double world champion was named as an ambassador for the Grand Prix of Europe last month, and has now made his first visit to the venue to look at the new circuit.

Part of Alonso's visit included a track walk, taking in the narrow, uphill section from turns 8-11 which pass the city's Old Town walls. Having taken a look around the venue, Alonso says he expects the new track to be a highlight of the season.

“It’s a real honour for me to be the first F1 driver to visit this magnificent city," Alonso said. "The welcome I have received from everyone since my arrival has been wonderful. I have been really impressed with everything I have seen today.

"I feel absolutely confident in saying that Baku City Circuit is going to be the most memorable circuit on the F1 calendar this year. Much like this beautiful city, it successfully manages to showcase its modernity with a lovely nod to the past. Indeed, the way the track stretches along the Old Town walls with the magnificent Flame Towers in the background is a clear example of this!

"On a technical level, I am excited to test my skills on such a challenging circuit, in particular along those tight, winding corners. I really can’t wait to race here this summer.”

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.