Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Concert venue changed

"The configuration of Formula 1 Azerbaijan's Grand Prix 2020 circuit has been approved and remains unchanged. The main subject highlighted at the annual international conference on the 'Benefits of Hosting Major Sports Events' concerned changes regarding the race cars in 2021. But the route will not change," said Tom Butcher, Head of Venue Delivery & Facilities Management at Baku City Circuit Operations Company.

"We will announce modifications to the race cars in March following the ongoing pre-season testing in Barcelona, Spain," he said.

Butcher also commented on the postponement of Azerbaijan Grand Prix to June 5-7 from what was previously scheduled for April.

He said as the races will be held during the hot season, the concert will not take place in an enclosed area.

"We don't expect any challenges on the roads with the arrangement of the event in June. On the contrary, the weather will be pleasant and warm, while it is usually changeable in April. The concert will take place at Seaside Boulevard, not at Crystal Hall.'

The company official stressed that grandstands would not be roofed. "As some of them are located in the central part, major construction work is not allowed," he added.

The Australian specialist also shared his impressions of all four Grand Prix races Baku has hosted so far.

"For us, the past four years were a process of learning. My team is comprised of only a few foreigners and many locals. It means that each experience gained on the circuit is for the Azerbaijanis. So, the Baku City Circuit is a good place to gain experience."