"Formula 1" European Grand Prix kicks off in Baku

Today, the eighth stage of world championship "Formula 1" European Grand Prix kicks off in Baku.

Eleven teams, with two drivers in each, will compete in the race. It will be the second longest F1 track, with a length of slightly over six kilometers.

The famous F1 drivers as Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Nico Rosberg, Sebastian Vettel, Valtteri Bottas and others will compete on the Baku City Circuit.

The specially constructed street circuit will see F1 cars race around the stunning downtown area of Baku, incorporating its UNESCO-protected old city - Icheri Sheher historical-architectural reserve - as well as its modern skyline and beautiful Caspian Sea promenade. 

The Baku City Circuit loops around the central and the most picturesque streets of Baku. When it came to selecting the perfect route for the race, the organizers decided to emphasize the panoramic view of the city. Another interesting fact is that the cars will race in an anti-clockwise direction. Overall 30,000 spectators are expected to watch the race live from grandstands located at different parts of the circuit.

Hermann Tilke, the architect behind most new Formula 1 tracks, designed the layout of the circuit.

The length of the widest part of the track is 13 meters, and the narrowest width is 7.6 meters between the turns 7 and 8, which are situated along the Icheri Sheher (Inner City).

The Start and Finish lanes will be located at the Azadlig Square. Moreover, the Formula 1 Paddock, team garages and pit lanes are also located here.

Formula 1 first practice session and second practice session, GP2 practice session and GP2 qualifying will be held on the first day of the races.

GP2 first race, Formula 1 third practise session and Formula 1 qualifying will be held on the second day of the races on June 18, while the GP2 second race and 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe will be held on the last day of the races, June 19, Trend reported.

Yesterday, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Carlos Sainz, Nico Hulkenberg, Valtteri Bottas and Rio Haryanto held a press conference. 

The ambassador of the European Grand Prix, McLaren Honda driver Fernando Alonso said that he enjoys his new visit to Baku. Previously, he visited the capital of Azerbaijan in March.

Fernando Alonso also informed that the organizers "did a great job", and the local fans have a good understanding of "Formula 1" and they enthusiastically await the race.

Earlier, in an interview to Vestnik Kavkaza, the marketing director of Baku City Circuit Nigar Arpadarai informed that Baku is ready for the Formula 1 European Grand Prix. 

She recalled that "During many years Azerbaijan hosts a variety of activities: sports events, conferences, etc."

"We organized the Eurovision Song Contest, the First European Games. We built stadiums, hotels, restaurants, roads," she added.

She pointed out that the city has created all necessary infrastructure, so there will be no problems with the accommodation of foreign tourists. 

"We offer them a wide range of rooms: 3-star and 4-star, and 5-star hotels,'' she told.

According to Arpadarai, organizers are expecting around 10,000-12,000 tourists.