Azerbaijan Looking Set For ‘Sell-out’ Grand Prix

With the all the time unpredictable Azerbaijan Grand Prix getting ready to host Method 1 on 10-12 July, the venue is wanting set to ‘sell-out’ with followers to be in attendance for the first-time since 2019.

The 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix noticed Sergio Pérez declare his maiden-victory for Oracle Crimson Bull Racing, after team-mate Max Verstappen skilled a high-speed tyre blowout down the main-straight. The 2021 race additionally noticed Lance Stroll expertise a high-speed blowout, with each Stroll and Verstappen crashing in consequence. Lewis Hamilton additionally locked-up at Flip One on the race restart, following a pink flag for Verstappen’s crash.

The Baku Metropolis Circuit has hosted 5 Grand Prix’s, with every race leading to a distinct winner. The race has change into a fan favorite on account of how unpredictable races have been on the circuit over latest years.

Baku Metropolis Circuit Govt Director, Arif Rahimov, defined why he believes the circuit is likely one of the most enjoyable and standard on the ever-expanding calendar.

“One of many causes this circuit produces such thrilling races is that it has the correct steadiness between a sluggish and twisty part and lengthy, flat-out straights. We even have gradient and quite a lot of completely different corners which makes it tough for groups and drivers to search out the correct setup. It’d clarify why we have now had 5 completely different winners within the 5 races we have now hosted to this point. And I feel we’re in for an additional new winner this 12 months!

“The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is all the time filled with surprises, whether or not it was the well-known conflict between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton in 2017 or each Crimson Bull drivers colliding a 12 months later. Don’t neglect we additionally had the drama of final season’s race when Max Verstappen retired along with his puncture and we had a two-lap dash to the end. Method 1 followers know this race is unmissable as something might occur. It’s probably the most unpredictable race of the season which additionally makes it probably the most thrilling!”

One of many greatest adjustments for this 12 months has been the new-generation of Method 1 automobile, this has seen drivers having the ability to race a lot nearer to one-another. Rahimov is anticipating the extremely lengthy main-straight to offer extra pleasure than ever earlier than.

“I’ve little doubt this 12 months’s Grand Prix will likely be a tremendous spectacle. Now we have seen already within the opening rounds of the 12 months that the DRS impact [the opening of the Drag Reduction System on the rear wing to improve top speed] has been a lot stronger.

“When you think about the long term out of the ultimate nook right here, I feel there will likely be loads of overtaking into Flip 1 and likewise into Flip 3 after the second DRS zone. Now we have seen that the brand new rules have enabled the vehicles to observe one another extra carefully and that has produced thrilling racing. Our circuit has already confirmed it’s doable to overhaul so I can solely think about this 12 months’s race will likely be much more enjoyable.”

Many circuits on the calendar have just lately undergone format adjustments to make the racing extra thrilling, Rahimov doesn’t suppose followers will likely be seeing any change to the format of the Baku Metropolis Circuit anytime quickly although.

“Nicely, we’ve had 5 races now and in 2022 this will likely be our sixth. To be sincere, I don’t suppose we have to change rather a lot. We’re proud of the format of the circuit — it’s difficult, thrilling and as we stated, showcases town of Baku rather well. For a similar cause we’re not interested by holding the race at evening, as we wish folks to see the gorgeous metropolis we have now in Azerbaijan.

“When the demand comes we might take a look at attempting to extend capability. It’s not one thing we are going to do that 12 months, though it appears to be like as if we’re on target for a sell-out, as it’s important to bear in mind there isn’t the infrastructure to out of the blue construct extra grandstands as we’re surrounded by buildings on this historic metropolis centre. We’re completely happy to proceed for years to return.”