Following a week off, Formula 1 returns to action with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Standing in front of the ten teams and 20 drivers is the challenging Baku City Circuit, a hair-raising track with some of the longest and fastest straights of the season, as well as the technically imposing “castle” sector that sees the drivers wind through the Old City.
It is a challenge that Pierre Gasly is looking forward to.
“I’m looking forward to getting back on track this weekend as we start the next run of flyaway races in Baku,” said Gasly in Alpine’s media preview of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. “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.”
Gasly, who has scored each of Alpine’s points this year, noted that “anything can happen” in Azerbaijan.
“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,” added the veteran driver.
On the other side of the garage Franco Colapinto, who remains under pressure to keep his seat as he looks for his first points of the season, returns to a track where he scored his first points in F1.
“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,” said Colapinto. “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,” added the young driver. “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.”
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix gets underway with two practice sessions on Friday, ahead of the all-important qualifying hour on Saturday.
