Baku boss puts onus on drivers to deliver a good race

Last year's European GP, the first race to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, was a rather boring and uneventful affair, but organisers believe things will be different in 2017 if the drivers put in some good will.

Azerbaijan race promoter Arif Rahimov admitted that last season's race did not live up to its expectations, citing a lack of confidence on the part of F1 drivers in the track's layout.

But it'll be a different this time around, says Rahimov.

"The first year in Sochi was boring," said the promoter.

"There were no accidents, nothing there. I'm not saying the track was boring, it's a great track, but the first race was steady, the same as us. The next year, it was a great show.

"I think it's more to do with the confidence of the drivers as opposed to the regulation changes, with the engines and chassis etc.

"Once the confidence of the drivers has risen after the first race last year, it's going to be more interesting. You can see that in practice and qualifying in F1."

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While nobody had much to complained about in terms of organisation, the scenic Baku street circuit, offers little margin for error.

"The track is very unforgiving. You cannot make mistakes on this track. It's narrow and not forgiving. It's not only wider cars, but also the run-off areas and the corners which you have to get just right.

"You have to clip the kerb at the right point not to hit the wall, like Lewis [Hamilton] did last year for example. There is huge potential to put on a great show."

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