Ilham Aliyev watched Opening Ceremony and final race
25 June 2017, 21:20
The 2017 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix has successfully wrapped up in Baku. Azerbaijan has excellently hosted another major international sporting event.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, first lady Mehriban Aliyeva and family members watched the Opening Ceremony and final race of 2017 FIA Formula One World Championship – the 2017 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
President Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva viewed Race Control Center.
The specially constructed street circuit saw F1 cars race around the stunning downtown area of Baku, incorporating its UNESCO-protected old city – Icheri Sheher historical-architectural reserve – as well as its modern skyline and beautiful Caspian Sea promenade.
Hermann Tilke, the architect behind most new Formula 1 tracks, designed the layout of the circuit.
The Baku City Circuit looped around the central and the most picturesque streets of Baku. When it came to selecting the perfect route for the race, the organizers decided to emphasize the panoramic view of the city.
Another interesting fact is that the cars raced in an anti-clockwise direction. The length of the widest part of the track was 13 meters, and the narrowest width was 7.6 meters between the turns 7 and 8, which were situated along the Icheri Sheher (Inner City).
The Start and Finish lanes were located at the Azadlig Square. Moreover, the Formula 1 Paddock, team garages and pit lanes were also located there.
Formula 1 first practice session and second practice session, GP2 practice session and GP2 qualifying were held on the first day of the races, June 23.
GP2 first race, Formula 1 third practice session and Formula 1 qualifying were held on the second day of the races on June 24. The GP2 second race and Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix were held on the last day of the races, June 25.
Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull grabbed his first win of the 2017 Formula 1 campaign at Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes took second place from Williams rookie Lance Stroll on the final straight.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev presented Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Cup to Daniel Ricciardo.
First lady Mehriban Aliyeva presented Constructors Cup to Red Bull Racing team.
Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov presented second place trophy to Valtteri Bottas, while President of Azerbaijan Automobile Federation Anar Alakbarov handed the third place award to Lance Stroll.