Baku street track for 2016 F1 European Grand Prix unveiled

Baku announced a deal to host a F1 race earlier this year, and the event was officially launched on Tuesday.

Hermann Tilke has designed an all-new 3.766-mile street circuit for the F1 event.

"Obviously street circuits present a number of challenges, in terms of circuit design, but we have been able to incorporate some unique features that will provide the teams and fans with fascinating racing," said Tilke.

"For example, there will be an extremely narrow uphill section at the old town wall that will reward pinpoint accuracy and courage, and we have an acceleration section of almost 2.2 kilometres [1.4 miles] along the promenade which will see the cars running flat out at very high top speeds - something that will create an incredible spectacle for the race fans on track and the viewers at home."

The circuit will run across the historic city centre and the seaside promenade.

"This is a very exciting milestone for everybody involved in the Baku European Grand Prix and I would like to thank Mr Ecclestone for taking the time out of his very busy schedule to come and help us unveil the newest F1 circuit to join the world's most exciting sport," said Azerbaijan's minister of youth and sport Azad Rahimov.

"Now the next phase of hard work begins and we are all excited about seeing the circuit evolve over the coming months.

"We know there will be challenges... [but] we know we will deliver a spectacular event in 2016 that will add to Azerbaijan's well-earned reputation as a modern European country that is the perfect venue for the planet's highest profile sports and entertainment events."

Baku's initial forays into international motorsport with rounds of the FIA GT and Blancpain Sprint Series used shorter versions of street layouts in other parts of the city. The Blancpain season concludes with this year's Baku event on November 1-2.