Now in its third year, the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe, hosted by Baku, is showing no signs of slowing down, and boasts one of the world’s most unique city circuits. From racing timetables to Jamiroquai, Baku has the low-down on this year’s highlights and entertainment programme
The Track
The Baku city circuit takes drivers and spectators alike right into the heart of the city, including its charismatic old town. “We wanted a track that would showcase the best of Baku,” said Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sport, Azad Rahimov, when it was unveiled. “Obviously street circuits present a number of challenges, in terms of circuit design, but we have been able to incorporate some unique features that will provide the teams and fans with fascinating racing.”
Designed by famous track architect Hermann Tilke, the track is six kilometres long, allowing for a total race distance of 306 km over 51 laps (the current lap record is held by Sebastian Vettel, who made it in 1:43.441 in 2017).
Illustration by James Dawe
The racing timetable is as follows:
Friday, 27 April
Practice 1: 13:00 – 14:30
Practice 2: 17:00 – 18:30
Saturday, 28 April
Practice 3: 14:00 – 15:00
Qualifying: 17:00 – 18:00
Sunday, 29 April
Race: 16:10 – 18:10
To see the full timetable, click here
Top three finishers, Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Red Bull Racing, Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes GP and Lance Stroll of Canada and Williams with Pierre Wache, Chief Engineer of Performance Engineering at Red Bull Racing on the podium during the Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix 2017 at Baku City Circuit (Image courtesy of Getty Images)
Opening Ceremony
One for the fans, this year’s opening ceremony will be combined with the Drivers’ Parade, so make sure you get there on time. On Sunday 29 April, viewers have the chance to see this year’s competing drivers take a lap around the circuit, followed by the National Anthem Ceremony. After that, it’s get ready, set, go, as the race begins.
Music and Entertainment
Jamiroquai fans rejoice, for beloved 90s funk/acid jazz group, fronted by the irrepressible Jay Kay, will be headlining this year’s opening night of concerts for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The set promises some of the band’s most famous feel good tracks as well as highlights from their recent album. Global artists Christina Aguilera and Dua Lipa will also be playing over the weekend. They are set to play on 27 April, 28 April and 29th April respectively at Baku’s Crystal Hall stage, after the Grand Prix’s opening day of practice.
The race weekend will also feature special entertainment programmes for the little ones, with driving schools for juniors as well as interactive, educational games for all young fans of racing.
Jason “Jay” Kay of Jamiroquai performs on stage on November 20, 2017 in Milan, Italy (Image courtesy of Getty Images)
The full timings of this year’s entertainment programme are as follows:
Thursday, 26 April
12:00 – 21:00
Friday, 27 April
10:00 – 19:00
Saturday, 28 April
10:00 – 19:00
Sunday, 29 April
10:00 – 14:00
For further information, and to check timings, please visit www.formula1.com
Illustrations by James Dawe. Images courtesy of Getty Images.
