BAKU, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The ninth Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix began Friday in Baku, with 20 drivers from 10 teams set to compete on the six-kilometer street circuit in the city center.
The Baku City Circuit, designed by German architect Hermann Tilke, is among the longest on the Formula One calendar. Drivers will complete 51 counterclockwise laps on the 20-turn track.
Friday's schedule featured Formula Two practice and qualifying sessions along with two Formula One practice runs. Formula One's final practice and qualifying will take place Saturday, with the main race set for Sunday.
Since its debut in 2016, when Germany's Nico Rosberg won what was then staged as the European Grand Prix, the event has produced a range of winners including Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. The 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ■
