THE AZERBAIJAN GP

THE MAIN EVENT

Yet another of Hermann Tilke’s creations, the Baku City Circuit is the fastest street track on the Formula 1 calendar, marrying tricky, technical sections with long straights – including a flat-out blast from the start of the final sector towards the start/finish line.

A mixture of old and new, the circuit steers through the medieval capital, passing the historic city centre and striking government house, before speeding along the promenade in the shadow of modern hotels and offices.

The streets of Baku first hosted this race in 2016 under the title of the European Grand Prix, but last year it became the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and it produced one of the most dramatic races of the season.

In a switch from last year, the race has moved from June to April for 2018, as the country plans a series of events this summer to mark the 100th anniversary of the republic. Organisers hope to return to a June date in 2019.

CLASSIC RACE: 2017

The second race in Baku couldn’t have been more different from the first and Sebastian Vettel’s savage reaction to a perceived brake test from Lewis Hamilton behind the Safety Car headlined the action. Vettel’s penalty and Hamilton’s loose headrest presented a chance to their rivals, which Daniel Ricciardo seized with a spectacular three-car pass into Turn 1 after a restart.

On the podium with Ricciardo were Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll, the latter losing second on the run to the line.

THE LAST TWO WINNERS HERE…