Baku, Azerbaijan. Probably not a destination high on most people’s list of places for a new race. Nevertheless, F1 travels to the city on western shore of the Caspian Sea this weekend for the inaugural European Grand Prix in Baku. The event has sparked controversy not only due to objections from human rights activists but also its [deliberate] conflict with the 24 Hours of Le Mans which prevents F1 drivers from moonlighting in the endurance classic like Nico Hulkenberg did last year with great success.
McLaren Honda go into the weekend rather bruised from their performance in Canada with one car retired and the other out of the points; this despite an upgraded turbo. Still, it was known that Canada would be tough and so, too, will the Baku City Circuit which is the second only to Spa in length and features very long straights. A double points finish may be a tough ask but the x-factor is that all drivers are learning the track for the first time; perhaps the experience of Button and Alonso will shine through. Either way, the team likely feel that Austria can’t get here soon enough.
Elsewhere on the grid it’s probably safe to say Mercedes isn’t going to be under much threat given the nature of this circuit. However, Ferrari can’t be ruled out where high horsepower is concerned as the Maranello-based squad continues to optimize a new turbo they brought to Canada. Despite good form of late, Red Bull will have to be relegated to wild card status for this one with Williams trying to occupy the same space.
U.S. TV TIMES:
Practice 1, Friday June 17th, 5:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Practice 2, Friday June 17th, 9:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Practice 3, Saturday June 18th, 6:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Qualifying, Saturday June 18th, 9:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Race, Sunday June 19th, 8:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
CIRCUIT
INFORMATION:
Lap Data
Circuit length: 6.006km/3.732 miles
Turns: 20
Number of laps: 51
Distance to Turn One: 202m/0.126 miles
Longest straight: 2.1km/1.305 miles
Car Performance
Top speed: 340km/h/211mph
Full throttle: 56 per cent
ERS
demands: High
Brake wear: Medium
Gear changes: 62 per lap /3,162 per race
Fuel consumption: 2.1kg per lap, making it one of the highest of the season
DRS
zones: Two, on the approaches to Turns One and Three
Key corner: Turn 15, a deceptively fast left-hander, through which entry speeds will be high and the walls will be close. Turn Eight is another notable corner, where the apex is a medieval wall and the track is only two car widths wide
Fastest corner: 170km/h (106mph), Turn 16
Slowest corner: 86km/h (53mph), Turn Eight
Strategy
Pitlane length: 295m/0.183 miles, estimated time loss 22s
Tire choices: Medium, Soft, Supersoft
CURRENT
STANDINGS:
Drivers
1. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 116
2. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 107
3. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 78
Constructors
1. Mercedes, 223
2. Ferrari, 147
3. Red Bull, 130
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