16/09/2025
NEWS STORY
BWT Alpine Formula One Team heads to Baku for the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Round 17 of the FIA Formula One World Championship.
Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are looking forward to returning to a circuit where both have achieved good results in the past. Pierre finished on the podium in 2021 while Franco scored his debut points finish in Formula One at last year's race.
The one-of-a-kind circuit features the 'Castle Section,' which sees drivers wind their way past the UNESCO World Heritage site that is the Walled City of Baku.
The narrowest part of the circuit measures at only 7.6 metres. The lap then finishes with a 2km flat-out straight, the longest of the calendar. This variety has contributed to some very exciting and unpredictable races in recent years.
Pierre Gasly: "I'm looking forward to getting back on track this weekend as we start the next run of flyaway races in Baku. It's a circuit - and a city - that I really love visiting and somewhere I've had previous success at with a podium finish in 2021 and also a podium in GP2 in 2016. I achieved that by driving cleanly and smartly, which is needed at such a challenging track like Baku. The long straights and tight, narrow castle section combined with the high speeds and close walls everywhere mean that there's a high risk of some chaotic moments. We need to make sure we're in the best position to capitalise on those when the time comes. The car setup will be complex with a compromise needed between the track characteristics and we'll aim to hit the ground running on Friday but, honestly, it's Baku - anything can happen. I had a good week in between the races including a day at Enstone on the simulator and visiting staff members. I also went to Paris for a Padel Event with Alpine, which was very enjoyable. It is a sport I love playing so to be involved is always a pleasure."
Franco Colapinto: "I am ready to go back to Baku, the place I scored my first points in Formula One last year. I am feeling good in the car at the moment, despite Monza being challenging for us as a team. We took time to debrief and I visited Enstone last week to prepare for Azerbaijan this weekend. Baku is one of the most beautiful circuits we visit in the season. Driving with views of both the Old Town and the famous Flame Towers as well as the tight nature of the circuit makes it one of the most enjoyable tracks to drive. As I said, some happy memories for me last year as I finished in eighth place for my first ever points in Formula One so that is always a nice thing to have in my mind. This weekend will be about setting ourselves up to be in a position to capitalise on the opportunities which are bound to arise from such a challenging circuit. We know it will not be easy, but we will do our best and look to maximise our results for the weekend and start off the flyaway part of the season with a positive result for the team."