Lights Out! Formula 1 Finally Races in Baku! Jun 20. 2016 17:31 PM  The 2016 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE trophies were presented today at the podium ceremony after the first ever F1® race was staged in Azerbaijan. Today was the day when years of hard work and dedication finally paid off with a quite magnificent first ever Formula 1 race taking place in a gloriously sunny Baku. Thousands of people packed the new home of Formula 1 in Azerbaijan to witness a quite spectacular opening ceremony followed by a hugely enjoyable race, where speeds on track exceeded the 360km/h mark, confirming Baku City Circuit as the fastest street circuit in the world! The 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe Nico Rosberg stretched his lead in this years world championship with a commanding win in Formula 1's inaugural Grand Prix to be staged in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Mercedes AMG Petronas driver led from pole and established and held on to a lead he would keep for the entire 51 laps of this new street circuit. To further improve his mood after this historic win, his title rival and Mercedes team-mate, Lewis Hamilton, could only finish fifth. It was Rosberg's first win since Russia and his fifth victory of the season leaving him 24 points clear of his teammate in the drivers' standings. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel finished second for the second successive race with Force India's Sergio Perez coming in at a very impressive third after a superb drive. Unfortunately, the Official Ambassador for the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe, Fernando Alonso, was told to return his McLaren Honda with just seven laps to go, ensuring a disappointing end to his first race in Baku. The newest race in the FIA Formula One World Championship saw the arrival of the latest street circuit in in the sport, when the worlds greatest drivers arrived in Azerbaijan - known as the Land of Fire this weekend. Baku is a nation that is growing at an epic speed, while still staying true to its rich heritage. The 2016 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE trophy has been especially designed to reflect this fusion of the old and the new, the modern and the ancient that makes Baku such a unique host venue for the worlds most glamorous and exciting sport. Baku is defined by its stunning Old Town a UNESCO heritage site - as well as its flourishing downtown streets, booming with high end designer shops, wonderful restaurant and bars and surrounded by elaborate architectural developments that give this city its inimitable flavor that has seen it described as the Paris of the East. All of the above factors have been used as inspiration in the design of the four sterling silver trophies presented to the top three drivers and winning constructor. The trophy design reflects a traditional carpet wrapped in a silver column, positioned and engraved with a red inner gold plate to give the appearance of a flame - the symbol of Azerbaijan - when viewed from the front. The columns sit on an enameled sea, representing the Caspian Sea, with a gilded laurel border denoting victory. Resting on the silver base, three, coloured rings denote the national flag with the F1 logo inscription facing to the front. Its form and design has been tailored specifically to encapsulate the countrys cultural heritage and identity via artistic interpretations of the the heavily symbolic national elements of Fire, Wind Water, structured around the concepts of Unity Progress. In doing so, the trophy design marries all these elements together to represent the passion, vitality, togetherness and ambition of the Azerbaijani people. Formula 1 Post Race Press Conference: The traditional race Formula 1 press conference took place today with the top three drivers facing the medias questions. Mercedes Nico Rosberg was joined by Ferraris Sebastian Vettel and Force Indias Sergio Perez to discuss their thoughts after the race: Nico Rosberg: Its been an amazing day really, an amazing weekend. Thank you all here in Baku for welcoming us in this way. Its been spectacular, great track youve made, really exciting racing. Of course, for me the weekend went perfectly: qualifying, race, everything to plan, so it was really awesome. Sebastian Vettel: First of all, thank you very much. Its the first time we are here in Azerbaijan. I didnt really know what to expect, but its been a great track, a great pleasure, a great welcome for all of us. I think the circuit is incredible. You need to be well-equipped, lets put it this way, around here, so some proper high-speed corners and very, very close. Today has obviously been a great job for us. Sergio Perez: I knew that the podium was possible today but it was very hard, very hard work to get it. We really did an incredible first lap to get around the Williams and the Toro Rosso. I think that was one of the keys I think the track suited our car well. Obviously a good power unit and I think good balance around the track. People were probably struggling more than we did but I think that was the main reason why we managed to be so much further up. Pharrell Williams Concerts on the Baku City Circuit Main Stage A memorable weekend was capped off on Sunday night when one of the biggest stars and most influential figures in world music, Pharrell Williams, took to the Main Stage to close out the 2016 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE with one of his celebrated sets. The man behind some of the biggest hits in the history of music, including Get Lucky, Happy and Frontin delivered the perfect encore to Bakus inaugural Formula 1 race weekend, just hours after the final car has crossed the finish line. May 08. 2017 18:03 PM F1 Drivers Ready to Come Back to Baku for the 2017 FORMULA 1 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX Alonso, Bottas, Massa, Perez Co. Ready to Return to Baku this June 23rd-25th + May 05. 2017 15:30 PM Mariah Carey To Close Out The 2017 FORMULA 1 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX Legendary Music Icon confirmed to perform in Baku on Sunday, June 25th + Red Bull Skydivers showcased their support to 2016 FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE Red Bull Skydivers raised the national flag of Azerbaijan as well as the 2016 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE flag to vertiginous heights where they decorated the the fascinating Baku bay scenery from above. + Official FIA Delegation declares Baku City Circuit On-Track to Host Formula 1 Charlie Whiting in Baku to check on track preparations ahead of Baku’s F1 debut June 17th-19th. + Sergio Perez: 'I look forward to the race in Baku' EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Sergio Pérez, Formula 1 Driver for Sahara Force India. + New Ticket Outlets Opened for the 2016 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE Baku City Circuit is pleased to announce the opening of new ticket outlets for the 8th round of Formula 1 World Championship – the 2016 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE which will be hosted this June in Baku. + Pharrell Williams to headline entertainment programs in Baku Global Music Superstars to Entertain F1 Fans in Baku Weekend of 17th-19th June. + How is racing electronics arranged on Formula 1 City Circuit? Race track is the complex set of different technology systems and equipment. How this system work? + The best four Bahrain Grand Prix Today we will tell you about the best four Bahrain Grand Prix. + Hermann Tilke: There is no track like Baku City Circuit F1 Circuit Architect, Hermann Tilke, Speaks Exclusively to Baku City Circuit. + Three-Months-to-Go until the 2016 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE! Baku City Circuit (BCC) is today sending its best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan for this year’s Novruz holiday and is inviting everyone to join the ‘Three-Months-To-Go’ celebrations - a series of entertainment activities taking place along Baku Boulevard - to mark the arrival of the 2016 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE in Baku. +