Baku wants to host a sprint race next season
Arif Rahimov, the Executive Director of the Baku circuit, stated that he would like to host a sprint race during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023.
This season, like last season, three Grand Prix have a sprint race in their program. Inaugurated with the aim of always increasing the spectacle on the track, their presence sparks a strong debate and some changes have already been made after a first year of testing last year.
But in 2023, six sprint races are expected to be created, after teams and the FIA agreed on this number. This gives several circuits the opportunity to showcase their willingness to host a weekend with two races, as is the case with the circuit in the Azerbaijani capital.
On the calendar since 2016, the highly unusual layout of Baku has led to some spectacular races, such as the 2017 and 2021 editions, after a first year that had disappointed many.
The executive director of the Baku circuit, Arif Rahimov, has opened the door to a sprint race on its track in 2023. “I would be happy to have the Sprint race here in Baku next year, hopefully we will be one of the six races to have it. It’s on my agenda [to discuss with F1] during this year’s race – we will try and propose to have one of these sprint races.”
« I really like the idea. I think it’s good to mix things up a bit. Things become boring, people get used to the same format and they lose interest, so when this kind of changes happen, I think it’s good for the sport. » adds Rahimov.
