Interest for Baku growing among F1 drivers

Interest for this year’s European Grand Prix held at Baku City Circuit is growing amongst Formula One drivers, as event Ambassador Fernando Alonso praises the “unique feeling” of the latest addition to the calendar.

Azerbaijan’s inaugural race will take place on June 17-19, with leading track designer Hermann Tilke promising “the world’s fastest street circuit” around the historic Old Town and Maiden Tower as well as modern landmarks like Azadliq Square.

Following his recent inspection, F1 race director Charlie Whiting was confident the 6km track will be ready in time and described the venue as a high-speed Singapore.

“The circuit is very, very fast,” said Alonso, who serves as Official Ambassador for the 2016 European Grand Prix. “I think we will reach an impressive top speed in Baku, around 340km/h. This is a very unique feeling in a street circuit.”

With the Baku event scheduled the same weekend as this year's Le Mans 24 Hours, Nico Hulkenberg will not be able to defend his 2015 victory at la Sarthe. But the Force India driver has already found reason to smile ahead of F1’s maiden trip to the Land of Fire.

“I always welcome street circuits”, Hulkenberg said. “Everybody is talking about that old part of the track [at BCC] where it gets very narrow through the Old Town, it sounds pretty cool!”

Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo added: “It is a new challenge. It’s refreshing and more than anything it’s a street circuit and I love street circuits!”

Triple world champion Lewis Hamilton, for his part, looks forward to meeting new fans.

“I can’t wait to come to Baku,” the Mercedes man said. “Thank you so much for firstly accepting us at the race and I hope to get to meet as many of you as possible. I can’t wait!”

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