Liberty Media has signed a contract extension with the promoters of the Azerbaijan GP to keep it on the F1 calendar until the 2023 season.
The grand prix in Baku which first appeared in the 2016 F1 season as European GP was changed to Azerbaijan GP from 2017 onward. The street circuit has become one of the highlights of the season as it provides some fantastic entertainment.
The new deal was signed between Azerbaijan Minister of Sport and Youth, Azad Rahimov and the Chairman and CEO of F1, Chase Carey, during the 2019 Conference on Benefits of Hosting Major Sports Events, which was organised by Baku City Circuit on Tuesday.
“We are very pleased to have renewed this agreement which will see the Azerbaijan GP feature on the FIA Formula 1 World Championship calendar for many years to come,” said Carey, after signing the new contract.
“In just a short space of time, this race has become one of the most popular of the season, always producing closely fought and spectacular racing. The Republic of Azerbaijan provides a really excellent welcome to everyone in Formula 1 and the beautiful city of Baku is an amazing backdrop for the greatest motor racing show in the world.
“All fans of our sport should make a note in the diary for the 28th April, the date of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2019.” At the same time, Azerbaijan’s Minister, Rahimov added: “This is a truly proud day for all of us.
“The last few years have been a dream come true for the people of Baku as we have seen our race weekend grow from a simple idea into one of the most dramatic and exciting race weekends in F1’s history.
“Already, we have played host to some of the sport’s most iconic moments. Furthermore, every year we have seen more and more fans from all over the world attend the race and have been overwhelmed at how well our event has been embraced by the global Formula 1 community.
“I would also like to extend my special gratitude to Mr. Carey and everyone at Formula 1 for proving themselves to be such great friends to our race. This new agreement will allow our race to maximise its commercial revenues through increased fan-engagement activities and a brand new sponsorship approach to engage our local and regional businesses with Formula 1’s global platform.
“With these exciting opportunities in mind, extending our contract was never in question and we are delighted to stay in this wonderful sport for another five years at least.” The new comes after a recent statement from Formula One Promoters’ Association.
Even though Baku was not part of the said 16 grand prixs, the document stated for an increased collaboration between F1 heads and the hosts. It is worth to be noted that Azerbaijan signing has been done well before the renewal date.
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