Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Preparation works for the Formula-1 will have no impact on the Islamic Solidarity Games to be held in Baku in May 2017.

Head of the Marketing and Communications at Baku City Circuit Nigar Arpadarai said that work on the organization of Formula 1 is maintained in communication with the organizing committee of the Islamic Solidarity Games, Report said.

She noted that the works on the territory of the paddock in front of Government House will be completed in March, asphalt laying works will only be carried out on the cobbled streets of the Aziz Aliyev street. "We hope that all the works will be completed on time," she added.

Speaking of the progress of ticket sales, Arpadarai noted that tickets are sold every day and most of the tickets were purchased by fans from Russia, Great Britain, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Arab countries.

"This year Azerbaijanis are buying more tickets to Formula 1 race than in 2016," she added.

As for the change in Formula 1 management and the possible impact of this on the Baku race, Arpadarai said that at the moment she cannot comment on this situation, because "all the countries hosting the race, expect the news after the change of owners."

Azerbaijan will host Formula 1, the significant sporting event of the year, for the second time.

Unlike 2016, this year between June 23 and 25, the country joins the race with a different name, as Formula 1 Grand Prix in Baku was renamed to the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan.

The 2017 season will begin on March 26 in Australia and conclude on November 26 in Abu Dhabi, and will include five back-to-back race weekends. The race is expected to be held in 20 countries.

Coming to the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games, which Baku will host for the first time – this is a multinational and multi-sport event involving the elite athletes of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation.

To be held on May 12-22, the event will welcome over 5,000 athletes to compete in 20 sports disciplines during the 12 days of competition.

The Cooperation is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the UN with 57 member states spread over four continents.

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

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