There are several concerns surrounding the running of the inaugural Grand Prix of Europe to include how this race will clash with the running of world famous Le Mans 24 Hours. This is a big deal for racing fans since the Le Mans 24 Hours is the world’s oldest endurance sports car race and represents one leg of the Triple Crown of Motosport alongside the Indianapolis 500 and the Grand Prix of Monaco. The Le Mans 24 Hour will begin just before qualifying starts at the Grand Prix of Europe and will finish shortly after the anticipated end of the Formula 1 race making it impossible for racing fans to take in both events in real time.
Another major concern surrounding the Grand Prix of Europe is the amount of 90 degree turns that make up the Baku racing circuit. Over 70 percent of the turns on the track will consist of 90 degrees or near 90 degree turns in both left-turn and right-turn configurations raising plenty of questions about passing ability around the track. The Baku Circuit definitely has some fascinating sections that will make for an exciting day to include a massive front stretch that will deliver plenty of speed into turn 1. Several sections of the racing circuit are extremely narrow and consist of drastic elevation changes. There are concerns that if a wreck is to take place between turn 8 and turn 11 that there will not be enough room available for cars to pass under reduced speed and that a red flag will have to be thrown until the track is clear. Pirelli has chosen to bring the medium, soft and super-soft tires to Baku reflecting the same tire package that was used in Monaco. These compounds have strong durability that that will help to offset the low grip conditions that are found on Baku city streets. It is yet to been seen if track conditions will encourage teams to attempt a one-stop strategy for track position to help compensate for the lack of passing zones found on the Baku circuit.
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