This weekend F1 returns to Baku, Azerbaijan on western shore of the Caspian Sea, as the city plays host to its third Formula 1 Grand Prix. This circuit is notable for its long power-hungry straights as it works its way around centuries-old architecture. In 2017 it produced one of the most exciting races in modern F1 history.

With 2018 thus far punctuated by ups and downs, Toro Rosso Honda goes into Baku with optimism but ultimately not sure what to expect. As they continue to optimize on the software side while they wait for engine and body upgrades due later this spring, they should be able to get the most out of their [current] package, leaving it up to the drivers. Having one car in the points would be a realistic result.

Elsewhere on the grid, Mercedes will be hungry to make up for precious points it has lost to Ferrari while the Maranello-based squad has seemed to have an answer for the Silver Arrows on all fronts, even if they aren’t outright faster. Buoyed by their win in China, Red Bull will be looking to disrupt the battle going on ahead of them; however, a good result will rely heavily on strategy rather than sheer pace at this curcuit. From here we can expect a fight between Renault and Haas to be the best of the rest. Trying to get in on that battle will be McLaren who may struggle with top speed on the long straights. Force India, who have an upgrade planned, will look to leapfrog McLaren. Williams and Sauber should be bringing up the rear.

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
Lap record: 1:43.441 Sebastian Vettel 2017
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: Soft, Supersoft, Ultrasoft (2017: Medium, Soft, Supersoft)

2017 RESULTS:
Laps: 51
Pole: 1:40.593, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
Fast race lap: 1:43.441, Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
Podium
1. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull
2. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
3. Lance Stroll, Williams

CURRENT STANDINGS:
Drivers
1. Sebastian Vettel, Scuderia Ferrari, 54
2. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG Petronas, 45
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes AMG Petronas, 40
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, 37
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Scuderia Ferrari, 30
6. Fernando Alonso, McLaren Renault, 22
7. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault Sport F1, 22
8. Max Verstappen, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, 18
9. Pierre Gasly, Toro Rosso Honda, 12
10. Kevin Magnussen, Haas, 11
Constructors
1. Mercedes AMG Petronas, 85
2. Scuderia Ferrari, 84
3. Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, 55
4. McLaren Renault, 28
5. Renault Sport F1, 25
6. Toro Rosso, 12
7. Haas, 11
8. Alfa Romeo Sauber, 2
9. Force India, 1