Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Baku, with about two months to go to 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe, is gearing up for the race.

Azerbaijan is the latest addition in the F1 calendar and the newly designed impressive street circuit promises to become one of the most exciting and thrilling venues for the F1 race.

Being the world’s fastest city circuit and the track loop around the city’s historical centre, Baku will create a unique and remarkable atmosphere for fans watching in the grandstands and at home.

The six kilometers, anti-clockwise layout of the circuit is planned to start adjacent to Azadliq Square, then loop around the Government House before heading west to Maiden Tower. From there the track is planned to have a narrow uphill traversal and then circle the Old City along Neftchilar Avenue back to the start line.

The quickest street track on the Formula One circuit will feature 20 turns and a 2.2km straight along Neftchilar Avenue, where drivers will reach speeds of 340kph.

Azerbaijan is the 32nd country hosting the official Grand Prix and Sly Sports survey puts Baku City Circuit among the leaders in “Formula 1's best 'new' track” voting. The famous British channel has placed the Baku Grand Prix 6th in the voting.

“Blending the old and new Baku, the circuit’s 20-corner layout also includes what appears to be the narrowest of turns right by an ancient fort,” the website report.

Meanwhile, experts claim that the event is an absolutely perfect opportunity for Azerbaijan to become even more recognizable in the world and to ensure the flow of tourists. The race will act as a great advertisement for the country due to its huge international fan base.

Nigar Arpadarai, Head of Marketing and Communications at Baku City Circuit said that a total of 65 percent of the tickets have been already purchased by audiences from abroad.

Moreover, participation of three biggest stars in music world such as Chris Brown, Enrique Iglesias and Pharrell Williams with their catchy music throughout the weekend of the Baku Grand Prix will increase the interest of many to Baku.

“This is a very good indicator. We expect that after the announcement of our concert program tickets will be bought even better, as it happens around the world,” she said.

The head of the department said that preparation for the race is going in full swing, adding that the work on paving the route for Baku round of the Formula 1 is almost completed.

“Repair work comes to an end. Asphalt paving is almost completed. Only a small area in front of Government House is left. We plan to install bleachers and safety barriers in May,” Arpadarai said.

The head of marketing pointed that holding courses for volunteers and marshals is also an important part of the work.

“Recently, we visited the Bahrain Grand Prix. Our marshals have been trained and even been involved in the actual competition. We are proud to say that although we have announced the recruitment of 5,000 volunteers, some 12,000 people applied for the vacancy. The Circuit will involve 1,000 marshals including 700 Azerbaijani citizens and 300 foreigners,” she explained.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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