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Nigar Arpadarai, Head of Marketing and Communications at Baku City Circuit, has informed about the progress of preparations for the Grand Prix.

Question: With just less than 100 days to go, do you have enough time to complete everything planned?

Answer: This question is difficult to answer unequivocally. As a first year promoter, we still have a lot of things to complete before we welcome this spectacular show to town. It’s been an incredible journey for everyone thus far, we’re confident we’ll finish everything on time but we also know that these coming 100 days will pass quickly. We’re all looking for the arrival of Formula 1 and GP2 on the streets of Baku.

Q.: What key tasks are set in front of team for the coming 100 days?

A.: First of all, I would like to highlight operational works, which have been already begun on areas such as the pit-building, team garages, Paddock Club and race control to name a few. Now the entire track is paved by a new layer asphalt, with the historic cobble-stones of the old city paved by a temporary asphalt layer. We set a high value on the history and cultural heritage of our city’s history so we’ve taken extra precautions to ensure that the Grand Prix will not cause any damage to the historical streets.

Another milestone towards the Grand Prix of Europe is the recruitment and training of volunteers and marshals, whose contribution is invaluable to the success of the event. We have received more than 12,000 applications for our volunteer programme, from which we will select 5,000 volunteers to play a part in the inaugural Formula 1 race.

Regarding event promotion, we continue to generate increased interest among the public by continually informing the public about Formula 1 in general and specifically the Grand Prix of Europe.

Q.: What else can we expect from Baku City Circuit before the Grand Prix in June?

A.: This week marks a key moment in the preparations for the Grand Prix: Fernando Alonso, two-time Formula 1 World Champion, visited Baku as part of his new role as the Official Ambassador for the 2016 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE. This visit demonstrated a high interest of both national and international audiences to the Formula 1 race which Baku will host in June. Fernando was really impressed by our city and the circuit configuration, describing Baku City Circuit as a unique and memorable addition to the F1 calendar. These words give increased motivation to the entire team!

In the near future we will announce a rich cultural programme that will be organized for spectators of the Grand Prix. While everyone is waiting for this exciting announcement, all we can say at this point is that there will be performances by world-class superstars.

Q.: Which support races will be staged during the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe?

A.: Just last week, it was confirmed that the Baku City Circuit will host the GP2 series as a support race to the Grand Prix of Europe. This series is the final stepping stone for the next generation of Formula 1 superstars; it is a very exciting series with powerful and fast race cars. I'm sure all spectators will enjoy this competition, which is a famous for its intense and competitive races.

Q.: Finally, what would you say to F1 fans who are still evaluating a trip to the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe in Baku?

A.: The race in Baku, without exaggeration, will be one of the most exciting competition of Formula 1 season. We are expecting the arrival of race fans from all around the world. The race weekend will not be just about the race itself, our city will offer a magnificent cultural programme and entertainment activities for everyone. We look forward to the Grand Prix and we will welcome all guests to experience our beautiful city and its hospitality!

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