AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX

Exciting Formula One weekend at Baku City Circuit, Azerbaijan

ferrari-f1-rep-afp The circuit is 6.003 km long and consists of 51 laps with a race distance of 306.049 km | AFP (File photo)

The eighth race in the Formula One Grand Prix for the 2017 season will be held over the June 23-25 weekend at the Hermann Tilke-designed circuit at the capital city of Baku in Azerbaijan. This is only the second time the Baku City Circuit will host the premier event, after the inaugural one last year.

Unique circuit

When Tilke was signed up to do the design job, his brief was very simple – create a unique circuit that will help Baku quickly establish itself as one of the most exciting, thrilling venues on the F1 calendar. Tilke kept in mind the great combination of the country’s history and its 21st century lifestyle, and designed a circuit of 6.003 kilometres consisting of 51 laps with a race distance of 306.049 km. Last year, the race winner Nico Rosberg set a lap record of 1:46:485!

Tilke has commented that street circuits do pose a number of challenges, but he has been able to incorporate some unique features that will provide the drivers and viewers with fascinating racing.

Baku first came into prominence as a major sporting centre when the city hosted the European Games in early 2015; it will also be one of the several host venues for UEFA Euro 2020. From 2012 to 2014, Baku hosted an international GT race on an alternative street track, but this seems to have given way to the present F1 activity.

Nicknamed the Paris of the East, this Azerbaijan capital on the western edge of the Caspian Sea is known for its charming Old City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This, combined with the beautiful seaside promenade and the city’s impressive modern style has made the venue a much sought-after one for F1 enthusiasts.

Musical chairs

Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton have been playing musical chairs on the podium ever since the inaugural race in Australia on March 26. Vettel won that race. Hamilton took the next race in China, while Vettel struck back in Bahrain. Lewis’ team mate Bottas sneaked in a win at Russia, but Hamilton regained his podium in Spain and Canada while Vettel conquered the Monaco race between the last two venues.

With Hamilton’s Canadian win, he has closed the gap in the Driver’s Championship points and seems to be gnawing his way back to the top spot. Meanwhile, he can revel in the fact that the Mercedes is ahead in the Constructor’s Championship with 222 points against Ferrari’s 214.

For Indians, the interesting factor is the gradual climb of the Force India Mercedes team. Currently, in the Constructor’s Championship, the team stands in fourth position with 71 points. The Vijay Mallya-owned team based in Silverstone, UK first entered the F1 races in 1991. Sergio Perez with 44 points and Esteban Ocon with 27 points are the current drivers leading the challenge.

June 23-25 weekend schedule:

Friday – Practice 1

Friday – Practice 2

Saturday – Practice 3

Saturday – Qualifying

Sunday – Race

Season so far, after the Canadian GP

2017 Driver Standings

1. Sebastian Vettel (GER) / Ferrari – 141 points

2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) / Mercedes – 129

3. Valteri Bottas (FIN) / Mercedes – 93

4. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) / Ferrari – 73

5. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) / Red Bull Racing – 67

2017 Constructor Standings

1. Mercedes – 222 points

2. Ferrari – 214

3. Red Bull Racing Tag Heuer – 112

4. Force India Mercedes – 71

5. Toro Rosso – 29

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Topics : #Formula One

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