FIA Race Director and Safety Delegate, Charlie Whiting, has returned to Baku to inspect the readiness of the Baku City Circuit ahead of the Grand Prix of Europe.

The inspection, which took place just weeks after Whiting and his team last visited the circuit, once again evaluated the quality of the track and its surrounding facilities to ensure it is fit for the purpose of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix street race.

After carrying out a thorough inspection, Whiting delivered a positive endorsement of the fledgling street circuit:

"I was very encouraged by the huge amount of work that has been done since my last visit. I'm pleasantly surprised to see just how much of the circuit is complete. We spent 4 or 5 hours walking around the track examining every bit of it. In general, I must say that the standards of the circuit built so far are absolutely superb and personally I am getting quite excited about the idea of coming here to race in a week's time."

Baku City Circuit has successfully completed most of the necessary preparatory work for the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe and has worked non-stop to ensure that every last detail is in place before June 16th.

The construction of the Pit Building - located in the paddock area by the Government Building - as well as the on-site offices for the FIA, Formula One Management, Baku City Circuit, F1 teams and other event staff, has already been finalized. The installation of technical equipment in these buildings is currently entering its final phase.

The asphalt layer that covers Baku City Circuit is complete, with the final layer having been applied already. Almost 95% of the overall works related to the installation of safety barriers around the circuit have also been completed. To ensure the smooth and safe passage for residents during the race week, safety barriers will be installed in selected areas over the coming days. Between June 14-16, the roads encompassed by the circuit will be entirely closed to traffic to ensure the completion of the final preparatory works, including the installation of safety barriers, the application of paint in accordance with the race requirements as well as other important and necessary works.

Eight out of the nine grandstands around the circuit have been set up. The construction of the main Absheron grandstand, with a capacity of 5000 seats, will be completed this week, while construction works at the Formula 1 Village, located along the seaside boulevard, are proceeding at full speed.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by mittagongcalling, 09/06/2016 3:23

"I'll bet he can't wait to get the safety car out there
"

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2. Posted by Celtictiger, 07/06/2016 21:42

"An incredibly Mickey Mouse circuit if there ever was one. Straight, slight turn, straight, slight turn, straight. Yawn. What are they going to have, seven DRS zones? What a farce, I really can see Kimi falling asleep at the wheel on this one! "

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3. Posted by Jonno, 07/06/2016 17:55

"As if Charlie is going to say it's crap and cancel the race. I hope he's checked the drain covers and knows if the newly laid tarmac will be up to the job so soon after it's been laid. Whiting will look a proper charlie if the track melts and moves around under summer sun.
"

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4. Posted by Ro, 07/06/2016 17:13

"I give it 0 years as Im not watching it, reading about it, nor count the points in the championship. An absolute joke, Not an F1 race circuit, may as well hold it in an empty warehouse, it will be a hell of a lot cheaper. "

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5. Posted by Colins'son, 07/06/2016 16:26

"What type of car is he driving? The engine sounds like a kid's holiday toy!"

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6. Posted by ryanhellyer, 07/06/2016 14:15

"I'm with White Lightning on this one. Every time a new circuit joins the circus, the ringmasters rant about how great it is. Then they flip the story and agree that it's shit a few years later when the money train stops.

Perhaps it is great. But I've grown wary after all the other "amazing new circuit" theories that crop up each year or so and so will believe it when I see it.

At the moment it just looks like a generic mickey mouse street circuit. Hopefully that's not the case."

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7. Posted by Editor, 07/06/2016 14:09

"@ White Lightning

Such cynicism... and before Baku is even handed the 'best race' and 'best circuit' trophies.

p.s. You are not going to be impressed by Martin Sorrell's vision then..."

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8. Posted by White Lightning, 07/06/2016 13:29

"Of course he is. He was impressed with Bahrain and Turkey and South Korea and India and Abu Dhabi and every other country desperate to exchange large briefcases of the currency of your choice for a modicum of recognition. I give it 4 years."

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Whiting impressed by "superb" Baku circuit

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