First Grand Prix
2016
Number of Laps
51
Circuit Length
6.003 km
Race Distance
306.049 km
Lap Record
1:43.009
Baku City Circuit
History and Construction
- It was designed by architect Hermann Tilke, a challenging design due to the need to integrate the streets of a historic city with the needs of a racing circuit.
- The circuit was officially opened in June 2016, although the first Formula 1 race was initially called the European Grand Prix.
- The circuit is an urban layout, meaning it uses public streets in the city of Baku. It has a permanent pit and paddock building that was built specifically for the event.
- The section surrounding the Old City Wall, which is only 7.6 meters wide, was a particular engineering challenge.
- The cost of building the circuit was estimated at around $150 million.
Design and Features
- The circuit has an extremely long main straight, measuring 2.2 kilometers, which is the longest on the entire Formula 1 calendar.
- Single seaters reach speeds of up to 360 km/h at the end of this straight, making it a key spot for overtaking.
- The circuit unusually combines high-speed sections, such as its long straight, with 90 degree corners and hairpin bends.
- The circuit circles iconic Baku landmarks such as Flag Square, Government House, and the Maiden Tower.
- Due to its location on the Caspian Sea, the circuit is prone to strong gusts of wind, which affect the stability of the cars.
Key Facts
- The official race lap record was set by Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) with a time of 1:43.009 in 2019.
- The circuit is 6.003 kilometers long and consists of 51 laps, covering a total distance of 306.049 kilometers.
- The first winner when it was run under the name of the European Grand Prix in 2016 was Nico Rosberg driving a Mercedes.
- The circuit is known for producing some of the most chaotic and unpredictable races. Several drivers, including Daniel Ricciardo, Sergio Pérez, and Esteban Ocon, have achieved unexpected victories.
- The circuit has hosted the European Grand Prix (2016) and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (since 2017).
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PRACTICE 1: 12:30 - 13:30
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PRACTICE 2: 16:00 - 17:00
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PRACTICE 3: 12:30 - 13:30
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QUALIFYING: 16:00 - 17:00
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RACE: 15:00 - >>>
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C4 : HARD
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C5 : MEDIUM
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C6 : SOFT
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