The vast majority of F1 drivers gave a resounding thumbs up to the Herman Tilke designed Baku Street Circuit, hailing the challenges brought about by the combination of high speed flat-out sections and tricky slower and narrow sectors.
Daniel Ricciardo was the biggest casualty on the day, slam,img his red Bulll into the wall on exiting Turn 15 during FP1. While most other drivers had near misses and/or excursions down escape roads as they sought the edge on the brand new race circuit.
Here is what the drivers said at the end of day one in Baku:
Lewis Hamilton: “The track isn’t easy. It’s a real challenge and I think it’s going to be tough for everyone over the weekend. It takes a lot of focus, which is something I like. I’ve enjoyed driving here today.”
Nico Rosberg: “The track is pretty cool. There are just some safety concerns at a few places like the pit entry, which we have to look into.”
Kevin Magnussen: “It’s an awesome circuit and quite a challenge.”
Carlos Sainz: “Ihe adrenaline rush you feel around these streets is big and I really enjoyed it out there today! It’s a fun challenge.”
Valtteri Bottas: “I really like the track. It’s very demanding, it has some high speed corners and some twisty, more technical areas, so it’s definitely one of the most challenging tracks on the calendar, but at the same time it’s a lot of fun.”
Felipe Massa: “It’s a nice track and interesting. It’s not easy to find the lines in certain corners, particularly the slow sections.
Max Verstappen: “In general the track itself is quite fun to drive, although some kerbs were coming off so we need to have a discussion (with the FIA) about that, and the exit of the pit lane is also not ideal so maybe they can open it up a little bit.”
Daniel Ricciardo: “I think the circuit is pretty cool, it’s definitely as tight as it looks and has a lot of corners unlike any others on the calendar.”
Sergio Perez: “I knew when I walked the track yesterday that it was going to be good fun to drive and today didn’t disappoint. It’s an amazing circuit: really challenging, no margin for error, and a real pleasure to drive.”
Nico Hülkenberg: “The track is very cool. It’s got a bit of everything, with long straights, big braking zones and some exciting high-speed corners, which all the drivers enjoy. So, overall you have to say they’ve done a really good job with the circuit and it makes a nice change to come here and try something that is so different.”
Rio Haryanto: “I really enjoyed getting to grips with the circuit. It’s a fun track.”
Pascal Wehrlein: “I’m very happy with the track; it’s really nice and interesting. I’m enjoying driving here.”
Read the full story at GRAND PRIX 247
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