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On a historic day for Azerbaijan, the sun was shining to welcome the teams, drivers, crews and fans as they arrived at Formula 1’s newest street circuit for the opening day of the 2016 F1 Grand Prix of Europe.

Today’s schedule of events on and off track was incredibly busy and filled with some great moments and the first of many memories for everyone to take home with them when they finally leave Baku City Circuit later this weekend.

The very fortunate three-day ticket holders were able to experience the Pit Lane Walk this afternoon, where they got right up close to the very centre of Formula 1. The Pit Lane Walk offered them the incredible opportunity to step right up to the teams’ garages at the Pit Building and witness first-hand the mechanics and engineers working on the world’s most innovative racing cars at close range.

F1 Village Opens

All entertainment zones - including the F1 Village – located along the Baku Boulevard, from Azneft Square to the Sea Terminal, opened today to all ticketholders

Thousands of F1 fans were welcomed for what should prove to be a weekend of incredible entertainment on and off track. From today onwards, fans will be able to enjoy the many fun events that have been scheduled for them for when they are not being dazzled by the world’s greatest drivers racing this brand new street circuit.
The fan-favourite, GameZone tent has been set up within the F1 Village, where fans can live the dream and race the Sochi Autodrom circuit in one of the amazing simulators, experiencing what it must be like to be a real F1 driver.

For those of a more energetic disposition, there are plenty of exciting attractions on offer, such as a vertical wind tunnel and climbing wall.

A host of entertainers will be on hand at all times to thrill all visitors to the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe, including the famous Mirror People, Spandy Andy, Titan the Robot, stilt-walkers and many more, while a host of talented street artists will amaze Formula 1 fans with specially made 3D illusions along the promenade.

Additionally, live sport demonstrations will take place along the boulevard all weekend featuring, amongst others, athletes performing stunts on trampolines and a half-pipe skate ramp.

BCC has also made sure to cater its weekend entertainment programme for families with young children. As such, there will be a special children’s driving school for the youngest visitors to the race weekend, where they can learn the rules of the road in a fun, relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. For slightly older children, a specially equipped children’s karting track will allow them to race each other and hone their competitive driving skills.

Formula 1 Drivers Press Conference:

The traditional Thursday Formula 1 drivers’ press conference took place today place today with specially chosen drivers answering the media’s questions ahead of this weekend’s 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe:

Official Ambassador for the inaugural F1 race in Baku, McLaren Honda driver and two-time World Champion, Fernando Alonso, spoke of his delight at being in Baku: “The fans here are very much into F1, very enthusiastic. Everything is ready for a good show. The very unique theme on this circuit is probably the straight-line speed, which will be very high, and to be on a street circuit those kind of speeds will be quite unique.”

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was also in a positive mood ahead of his first time racing in Azerbaijan, commenting: “I think it [Baku City Circuit] looks exciting. I'm thrilled to get in the car tomorrow and excited to get out and get a feel. Pit entry looks a challenge - but then again I think that's why we're here.”

Similarly, Williams driver, Valtteri Bottas, appeared equally impressed by Baku and excited to test out the newest circuit on the F1 calendar after his third place finish in Canada last week: “Montreal definitely was one of the good tracks for our car, really it’s within the strengths of the car, but there are still plenty of good races to come. I don't think this [Baku City Circuit] is going to be too bad for us and also the next three races after. I'm pretty sure we can still, with a good weekend, if we keep developing the car, we can fight for the podium and that should be the goal for us as a team.”

Sahara Force India’s, Nico Hülkenberg was optimistic the new circuit would ensure a more level playing field for all drivers: “It's a new venue: no data, no knowledge, no previous laps here, so everybody starts from scratch pretty much, which could be interesting. Obviously the track looks quite exciting, as we've all seen now!”

Autograph Sessions:

The first official day of the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe saw the excitement levels go through the roof when fans came face to face with their heroes on the Baku Boulevard Main Stage during the traditional Grand Prix weekend Autograph Sessions. The Mercedes AMG Petronas, Red Bull Racing, Toro Rosso and Scuderia Ferrari drivers were all present this afternoon to meet and greet their many adoring fans.