Azerbaijan confirms deal to host Formula 1 race from 2016
Azerbaijan has confirmed that it will host the European Grand Prix in 2016, after signing a deal with Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone
Although there had been some hope of the race in Baku getting on to next season's schedule, event organisers announced on Friday that plans had been put back one year.
Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sport, Mr. Azad Rahimov said: "I am delighted to officially announce that we have signed a contract to bring Formula 1 racing to Baku in 2016.
"Our location at the crossroads of eastern Europe and western Asia is a new frontier for Formula 1 racing.
"Azerbaijan is a modern European country that has established a reputation as a centre of sporting excellence.
"The deal to bring Formula 1 racing to Baku is a very significant new chapter in our ongoing success to attract the world's largest sporting events to our country."
The Baku race will take place on a new street circuit that is being designed by Hermann Tilke, with the pits and start/finish straight being based around its iconic Azadliq Square.
Ecclestone added: "We are very happy that Baku has joined the Formula 1 family. This will be a street race, which will pass through interesting and picturesque parts of Baku.
"The event will meet the current Formula 1 criteria."
Share Or Save This Story
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Jon Noble: An unfair perception or a genuine concern? Lifting the lid on Red Bull’s Tsunoda scepticism
F1 Canadian GP: Russell defeats Antonelli to Canada F1 sprint pole
Red Bull F1 team boss: "No intention behind" public meeting between Verstappen and Wolff
F1 compromise to make 2027 engine change could include shortening races
LIVE: F1 Canadian Grand Prix updates - Russell takes sprint pole ahead of Antonelli
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments