Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone was in Azerbaijan on Tuesday at a press event to formally unveil the layout of the 2016 Baku European Grand Prix street circuit, according to a report by Formula 1.
“Azerbaijan is the latest addition to the Formula One calendar and I am pleased to see they have designed an innovative new street circuit” Ecclestone stated, speaking to the press.
“[It] will definitely help to create a world class event when we race there in 2016” he added.
According to sources, Ecclestone has already called for a potential shift of Baku race date to as early as 2015, in order to replace the Korean Grand Prix due to a breach of contract by the organisers of the event in Seoul.
Also present at the event were Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov, president of the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation Anar Alakbarov,and circuit designer Hermann Tilke, all of whom provided input on the race.
“Our brief to Tilke Engineering was simple – create a circuit that is unique, one that will help the Grand Prix in Baku quickly establish itself as one of the most exciting, thrilling venues on the F1 calendar, and one that the fans and teams are all excited about” Rahimov remarked.
“Most importantly, we wanted a track that would showcase the best of Baku, our capital city” he went on to say.
“We have been able to incorporate some unique features that will provide the teams and fans with fascinating racing” Tilke acknowledged, before handing the floor to Alakbarov who concluded the importance of the event to Azerbaijan and it’s people.
“We are also confident that hosting this Grand Prix will act as a catalyst for the sport of Formula One in our country” Alakbarov stated.
“I expect youngsters throughout the city will be so impressed…that dreams of becoming the first Azerbaijani Formula One world champion will take root”.
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