Alonso looking forward to new Baku street circuit

Fernando Alonso is sure that the inaugural race in Baku will be a thrilling race as the venue seems to have all the ingredients a track needs for an exciting event. The Spaniard is also looking forward to the European GP due to his ambassador role.

The two-time world champion has been trusted with the role of the circuit's ambassador. He visited the venue a few weeks ago and was thoroughly informed about the plans and the construction phases.

"I’m already really looking forward to getting out on track for the first time in Baku on Friday,” started Alonso.

"In my role as Baku Ambassador, I’m lucky enough to have already seen the plans in detail for the new circuit and watch the venue come together over the past few months.

"The track layout is a really impressive hybrid of the buzz of a street circuit, with its tight narrow streets and close racing, and a more traditional track, where there are high speeds and solid overtaking opportunities."

The 35-year-old driver has already tried the track out in the simulator which impressed him due to the different challenges.

"I’ve already driven the track on the simulator and there’s certainly a lot that makes it unique – medieval walls close to the edge of the newly-laid asphalt, anti-clockwise corners, minimal run-off – so it seems to have all of the ingredients to give us a bit of drama and the prospect of exciting racing."

Finally, Alonso praised the organisers for their efforts they put in the project in a region which has been unfamiliar with F1 so far.

"Having seen the development work in Baku as it’s neared completion over the past few months, it’s clear that the organisers have put a lot of planning and resources into the infrastructure around the circuit, and it promises to be a very significant event in the region."

Fernando Alonso is currently 12th in the Drivers’ Championship with 18 points.