By Nick Butler

A Formula One race in Baku has now been officially confirmed ©AFP/Getty ImagesA Formula One Grand Prix in Baku in 2016 will herald a "new frontier" for the sport, Azerbaijan's Youth and Sports Minister, Azad Rahimov, has insisted today following official confirmation of the inaugural event.


News that a deal had been signed to bring the Games to the capital city on the shore of the Caspian Sea was exclusively revealed by insidethegames in April, and since then the finishing touches have been added to the agreement.

It will take place on a yet to be specified date the year after the first edition of the European Games is held in Baku, from June 12 to 28 next year.

The race, which will be known as the Formula One Grand Prix of Europe, will embrace all parts of the city centre, with it hoped the blend of spectacular medieval sites with a modern, iconic skyline, as well as the spectacular views across the Caspian Sea, will create a backdrop fit to rival other famous street circuits on the Formula One calendar.

"I am delighted to officially announce that we have signed a contract to bring Formula One racing to Baku in 2016," confirmed Rahimov today.

"Our location at the crossroads of eastern Europe and western Asia is a new frontier for Formula One racing.

"Azerbaijan is a modern European country that has established a reputation as a centre of sporting excellence.

"The deal to bring Formula One racing to Baku is a very significant new chapter in our ongoing success to attract the world's largest sporting events to our country."

A motor racing contest has already taken place around the Crystal Hall in Baku ©AFP/Getty ImagesA motor racing contest has already taken place around the Crystal Hall in Baku
©AFP/Getty Images




Baku is already highly experienced in hosting international motor racing having held other racing series for the past two years, including on a street circuit around Crystal Hall, the venue built to host the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, and the National Flag Square.

Neither the design nor exact course have yet been finalised, but it is envisaged the race start, main grandstand and pits will be on Azadliq Square, and that landmarks including Neftchilar Avenue, Government House and Maiden Tower will also feature.

"It will be a spectacular addition to the Formula One calendar, and the course that we are planning to design will be similar to leading street circuits already on the Formula One World Championship calendar," concluded Rahimov.

Azerbaijan's ambition to create such an exciting addition to the calendar, which currently consists of 19 races for 2014, was welcomed by Bernie Ecclestone, chief executive of the Formula One group of companies.

It marks the latest example of Ecclestone embracing parts of the world which have not traditionally hosted major sporting events, in a fashion which appears to be setting a precedent for elsewhere in sport.

"We are very happy that Baku has joined the Formula One family," said Ecclestone.

"This will be a street race, which will pass through interesting and picturesque parts of Baku.

"The event will meet the current Formula One criteria."

The first Russian Grand Prix is due to be held in Sochi, racing around the indoor venues built for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games earlier this year, on October 12.

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