25/07/2014
NEWS STORY
The Azerbaijan government has officially confirmed that the country will host a race in Baku in 2016.
Following our previous report, this morning the country's Minister of Youth and Sport, Azad Rahimov, confirmed the deal.
"I am delighted to officially announce that we have signed a contract to bring Formula One racing to Baku in 2016," he said. "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," he continued. "The deal to bring Formula 1 racing to Baku is a very significant new chapter in our ongoing success to attract the world's largest sporting events to our country."
Other than the fact that it will be a street race (groan), the event, which was largely brokered by Flavio Briatore, who has business interests in Baku, will include numerous "landmarks" (groan).
"We are very happy that Baku has joined the Formula One family," said Bernie 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."
Check out our Friday gallery, here.