Wednesday 30 April 2014

Formula One set for Baku

(Mercedes AMG F1 Team)

Azerbaijan looks set to join the Formula One calendar in 2016 according to the country's Youth and Sports minister Azad Rahimov who says that the country has reached an agreement with Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone to host a Formula One Grand Prix in the country's capital Baku.

Speaking to a website in Azerbaijan, Rahimov said: 'We have signed the deal with Bernie Ecclestone, and will announce it officially with an event in Baku shortly'.

It remains unclear what race would make way for the arrival of Azerbaijan as teams are unlikely to agree to have more then 21 Grand Prix on the calendar. 

There are currently 19 Grand Prix on the Formula One calendar with the return of Austria which takes place following this season's Canadian Grand Prix. The sport will also head to the Sochi circuit in Russia and with New Jersey scheduled to join the calendar next season that will bring the calendar up to 20 Grand Prix. 

It is unclear whether or not the new circuit in Baku will be a street circuit or a purpose built facility. 

©Ben Johnston 2014

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