As the Formula 1 field moves to the European Grand Prix in the “Land of Fire”, Azerbaijan. We take a look at what to expect in this weekend’s Grand Prix.
There is mixed feelings about the new street circuit between the drivers.
World champion Lewis Hamilton have tried the new layout in the simulator. “I don’t really know what to say about it, it’s just another new track.
“There’s one very tight spot on it. It’s got a very long straight. I don’t really have a lot to say about it.” the Brite said.
Sebastian Vettel is a bit more natural, and says that he would rather wait and see how the racing goes, before he comments on the new track. “I don’t think it’s fair to judge the track, because we have to wait to get there.” The German said.
The Baku F1 circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, who have already re-designed 10 of the 21 current tracks on the F1 calendar. Tilke says about the new track: “There is no track like Baku City Circuit – it will be one of the most exciting ones on the calendar.”
McLaren’s Fernando Alonso is the Ambassador of the Europe Grand Prix in Azerbaijan.
“I’m already really looking forward to getting out on track for the first time in Baku on Friday. In my role as Baku Ambassador, I’m lucky enough to have already seen the plans in detail for the new circuit and watch the venue come together over the past few months. The track layout is a really impressive hybrid of the buzz of a street circuit, with its tight narrow streets and close racing, and a more traditional track, where there are high speeds and solid overtaking opportunities.” The Spaniard said in his preview, of the Europe Grand Prix.
The general comments from most of the drivers is that the track is a bit unknown to them. They have experienced the track in the simulator, but that’s still very different from a real racing car.
We can expect some cautious driving in the first practice session, until the drivers know the track, and can push the cars more.
With a new track, especially a new street track, comes clean tarmac. This will bring some challenging braking, and lack of grip in the corners. This, combined with low downforce because of the 2.2 kilometer start/finish straight, will make the tighter sections of the circuit, very challenging.
The track will evolve throughout the weekend and get better and better. The teams will have to perfect their setups after every session, to follow the track environment.
Tyre strategies will be a big matter, with championship rivals Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull having similar tyre strategies.
Lewis Hamilton, as well as Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, and Red Bull duo Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, have all chosen a single set of medium tyres for the event.
See tyre choices below:
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Factfile of the Baku City Circuit:
- Length: 6.001km · 20 corners
- Total race distance: 306,51km (51 laps)
- Start/finish straight: 2.2km long
- Expected lap time: 1m40s
- Spectators: 30.000
- Top speed: +340km/h
The championship fight really got some heat after Hamilton once again triumphed in Canada, and are now only 9 points behind championship leader Nico Rosberg.
The fight continues in Baku, both with Red Bull and with Ferrari finding some new speed, it is indeed going to be an exciting Europe Grand Prix.
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