Azerbaijan has announced that a deal has been struck with Formula 1 commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone for the country to host a Grand Prix in 2016.
The country will be the scene of the returning European Grand Prix, which was discontinued after its 2012 edition in Valencia, with the race set to be held in the streets of the capital Baku with F1’s track architect Herman Tilke spearheading the designing of the track, which will feature a planned start/finish straight near the Azadilq Square.
The country’s Minister of Youth and Sport, Mr. Azad Rahimov said: “I am delighted to officially announce that we have signed a contract to bring Formula 1 racing to Baku in 2016.
“Our country at the crossroads of eastern Europe and western Asia is a new frontier for Formula 1 racing.
“Azerbaijan is a modern European country that has established a reputation as a centre of sporting excellence.
“The deal to bring Formula 1 racing to Baku is a very significant new chapter in our ongoing success to attract the world’s largest sporting events to our country. ” added Rahimov.
Ecclestone also confirmed that the event will be raced on a street circuit and will comply with F1 standards.
“We are very happy that Baku has joined the Formula 1 family. This will be a street race, which will pass through interesting and picturesque parts of Baku.” Ecclestone said.
“The event will meet the current Formula 1 criteria.”
Should the race go ahead in 2016, the race will take the F1 calendar above the 20 race limit currently permitted, with Mexico confirmed to be making its deferred return to the calendar next season.
