Azerbaijan Grand Prix in contention to stage sprint race in 2023

Two races for the price of one in Baku next season? In any case, this is the promoter's wish. of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Arif Rahimov. Since the Formula 1 announced to double the number of sprint races in 2023, from 3 this season to 6 next year, many venues have stood out to organize them. This is therefore the case for the Azeri event, in search of something new.

“I’m a big supporter (of sprint races). I really like the idea. I think it's good to mix things up a bit over the years. Things get boring and people get too used to the same format, then they lose interest." said Arif Rahimov. “I would be happy to have the sprint race here in Azerbaijan next year”

Last year, the race in Baku took place without spectators due to the health crisis. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix would therefore like to make up for this loss with a qualifying race on Saturday. “ The appeal of the sprint race, not just for Baku but for any promoter, is that it looks like it will bring more fans on Saturday (…) The fans will get their money's worth!”

This year, the three sprint races are organized in Imola (with a victory of Max Verstappen) then in Austria and Brazil. Azerbaijan, on the calendar since 2016, has established itself permanently on the F1 agenda. Negotiations for the organization of a sprint race will take place during the Grand Prix in Baku this summer, on June 12, according to the promoter.

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