BAKU, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The eighth race of the season kicked off here on Friday with Formula 1's second visit to Azerbaijan and its Baku City Circuit.
The 6-km circuit will feature competition of 10 teams represented by world-famous drivers Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Kimi Raikkonen and others.
The circuit loops around the central and the most picturesque streets of Baku. The street circuit will see F1 cars race around the stunning downtown area of Baku, incorporating its UNESCO-protected old city (Icherisheher historical-architectural reserve) as well as its modern skyline and beautiful Caspian Sea promenade.
Overall 30,000 spectators are expected to watch the race from grandstands located at different parts of the circuit.
Formula 1 first and second practice sessions, GP2 practice session and GP2 qualifying will be held on the first day of the races, June 23.
GP2 first race, Formula 1 third practice session and Formula 1 qualifying will be held on the second day of the races on June 24, while the GP2 second race and Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be held on the last day of the races, June 25.
The Baku City Circuit arrived on the F1 calendar in 2016 as host of the European Grand Prix, but the event has since been renamed the 'Azerbaijan Grand Prix'.
The first Grand Prix was held at Baku City Circuit only last year, with the course having a circuit length of 6.003km and 51 laps in total, making for a 306.049km total race distance. The lap record was set by Nico Rosberg in 2016, which currently stands at 1:46.485. Enditem
