Azerbaijan will take its place on the Formula One calendar in 2016 as the new Grand Prix of Europe. Azeri capital Baku will host the event after signing a deal with Bernie Ecclestone, the F1 chief executive.
The race adds to F1’s push into eastern edges of Europe, with Russia due to host its inaugural grand prix later this season at a purpose-built circuit around the Sochi Olympic Park.
Confirming the deal, Azerbaijan’s minister of youth and sport, Azad Rahimov, said: “I am delighted to officially announce we have signed a contract to bring Formula One racing to Baku in 2016.
“Baku will be a spectacular addition to the Formula One calendar. Our location at the crossroads of eastern Europe and western Asia is a new frontier for Formula One racing.
“The course we are planning to design will be similar to leading street circuits already on the calendar.”
Ecclestone, meanwhile, said: “We are very happy Baku has joined the Formula One family.
“This will be a street race, which will pass through interesting and picturesque parts of Baku, and will meet the current Formula One criteria.”
Baku will be the latest venue to stage a Grand Prix of Europe, with Valencia the previous host in 2012 before its exit due to costs.
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