FIA reveal 16 changes to bonkers Baku track ahead of Azerbaijan...

FIA reveal 16 changes to bonkers Baku track ahead of Azerbaijan gland prix.

The FIA has announced 16 significant changes to the Baku City Circuit ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the 17th round of the Formula 1 season. These modifications include adjustments to the track layout and updates to the DRS zones, which are designed to enhance safety and performance during the race.

Formula 1 has been visiting Azerbaijan since 2017, with the country hosting its inaugural Grand Prix that year. Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo claimed victory in that race, marking the first of many memorable moments on the street circuit. Known for its unique challenges, Baku’s track includes the tightest turn in Formula 1 at Turn 8, where the road narrows to just 7.6 meters wide.

This year, the FIA’s changes to the Baku City Circuit are more extensive than ever, with a total of 16 tweaks ranging from new vehicle openings to patches of fresh asphalt being laid across multiple sections. These adjustments are aimed at improving both the track’s safety and race dynamics.

Among the changes, a new vehicle opening has been added at the pit exit, allowing for quicker and more efficient responses to incidents. Additionally, a crash gate has replaced the vehicle opening at Turn 14, with similar adjustments made at the pit entry where new crash gates and vehicle openings have been installed. These safety enhancements will help facilitate better access for emergency vehicles, ensuring quicker intervention when needed.

Several walls along the circuit have been realigned as well. For example, the right-hand side (RHS) walls between Turns 3 and 4, and between Turns 12 and 13, have been shifted. The track edge at the exit of Turn 12 has been moved closer to the concrete walls, which could make that section of the track more challenging for drivers. The concrete walls in the run-off areas at Turn 1, Turn 16, and Turn 15 have also been replaced with newer, more robust barriers.

Additionally, small patches of new asphalt have been laid in specific areas, including between Turns 2 and 3, Turns 7 and 8, and Turns 12 and 13. These newly resurfaced areas are expected to provide better grip and stability for the cars as they navigate the narrow and often treacherous streets of Baku.

Another notable change to the circuit is the relocation of the medical center, which has been moved to a new location to better serve the needs of the event.

Apart from the physical changes to the track, the FIA has also made adjustments to the DRS (Drag Reduction System) activation zones. These zones are critical for overtaking, allowing drivers to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase speed on straights. In Baku, there are two DRS zones: one at the exit of Turn 2 and another along the long pit-straight leading into the braking zone for Turn 1.

The DRS zone at the exit of Turn 2 has been shortened by two meters, while the one on the pit-straight has been reduced by 100 meters, now measuring 347 meters after the final corner. This change may affect overtaking opportunities, especially during the long straights where drivers often rely on DRS to gain an advantage.

Race director Niels Wittich also addressed concerns about potential traffic jams during qualifying. In his pre-race notes, he outlined new regulations aimed at preventing drivers from moving too slowly on in-laps during or after the end of qualifying. The goal is to ensure smoother traffic flow and reduce the risk of collisions caused by drivers attempting to find space on the circuit during the session.

Wittich’s directive states that drivers must adhere to a maximum time limit between the Safety Car lines, which are indicated on the pit lane map. The FIA will set and communicate this time limit after the second practice session, giving teams and drivers clear guidelines to follow during qualifying.

These changes reflect the FIA’s ongoing efforts to balance safety and competition in Formula 1, particularly on challenging street circuits like Baku. The modifications to the track, coupled with the new DRS regulations and qualifying procedures, will likely have a significant impact on how the Azerbaijan Grand Prix unfolds.

With these updates, fans can expect an intense and competitive race as drivers navigate one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar. Whether these changes will lead to more overtaking or tighter racing remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly add an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.