Until now the only laps of the street circuit which will host the forthcoming Grand Prix of Europe have involved computer games and simulations.

But now 19-year-old Gulhuseyn Abdullayev from, appropriately, Azerbaijan, has completed a four lap test on the circuit in a GP3 car.

"Baku City Circuit consists of a combination of both slow and fast turns," he told reporters at the end of his run. "In general, this track has a very unique layout. Unlike other street tracks, Baku City Circuit has a sufficient width as well.

"Turns 8 -10 around Qosha Qala gates were particularly very interesting. I believe we will witness breath-taking moments during the race. In fact, driving through those turns is not easy at all. The track was free for now, and did not require much effort from me, but during the race when there will be racing cars and slow moving pilots around or any incidents it will present a serious driving challenge for pilots.

"I liked this track very much," he continued. "If allowed, I would drive even a longer distance. In general, Baku does not fall behind of other street circuits, I would say it is even exceeds other street tracks. Therefore, I believe all F1 drivers look forward to racing at this track soon and they will be very delighted to drive the circuit.

"Driving in Baku gives me a special feeling," he concluded. "Since childhood, I have always dreamed of having a track in Azerbaijan; either a street track or a permanent circuit, I could drive. Today, my dream has come true. So, I am very happy!"

Hundreds of residents gathered around the circuit to see the first laps at a track which will welcome F1 in just a couple of weeks.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Paul C, 10/06/2016 4:32

"Except for that turn near the castle it looks wide enough for some good racing. Otherwise it looks like a track out of a current racing game."

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2. Posted by ScottC, 06/06/2016 11:32

"Azzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzerbaijan"

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3. Posted by RS from Calgary, 04/06/2016 22:52

"My opinion is like several other posters - but most of all it looks like a very unsafe 'concrete canyon' track. It will probably be like Monaco, with qualifying being critical to winning, and a procession of cars with little or no passing during the race.
There are no chicanes, no hairpin, no sweepers of any note, and no elevation changes or undulations. This is the kind of place where lower-class Indycars, not F1 cars, should race. With narrow track, and walls with no run-off, Safety Cars and VSCs will probably be invoked a few times. I truly hope that no drivers are seriously hurt in this race.
To be blunt, it's an awful track."

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4. Posted by Editor, 03/06/2016 18:03

"It's like Phoenix but with trees and interesting looking buildings.

Nonethless, like I said, it's like Phoenix."

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5. Posted by DJ, 03/06/2016 16:22

"Looks like a death trap with very little room for overtaking."

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6. Posted by LukeP, 03/06/2016 16:02

"Looks like a beautiful city. Shame about the race track... so many good circuits in the world, and F1 visits some of the worst."

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7. Posted by edllorca, 03/06/2016 14:04

"That may be the first F1 race I decline to watch. What a horrifically boring track."

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8. Posted by mickl, 03/06/2016 11:07

"Reminds me of the Indycar street circuits with all the 90 degree corners. The turn by the castle looks to be a screamer and supposedly wide enough for 2 cars to go through!"

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9. Posted by CL, 03/06/2016 10:32

"Certainly got lots of straight bits."

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Video: Onboard lap of Baku City Circuit

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