Gulhuseyn Abdullayev, who finished fifth in this year’s Formula Gulf 1000 series, was the first driver to complete a lap of the new circuit ahead of F1 Race Director Charlie Whiting’s official inspection.
Abdullayev, Azerbaijan’s promising young Formula Gulf Academy driver and an official ambassador for the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe, completed four laps of Baku City Circuit in a GP3 race car last week, becoming the first person to drive F1’s newest street circuit in the process.
The talented 19-year old driver shared his initial thoughts on Baku City Circuit once he had successfully completed his test laps in front of large crowds of watching fa
“This track has a very unique layout - turns 8 -10 around the Qosha Qala gates were particularly interesting. Driving through those turns is not easy at all. I believe we will witness some breath-taking moments during the race.
“The track was obviously free of traffic on this occasion and therefore did not require too much effort from me but in the race itself it will present a serious driving challenge for all drivers. Driving in Baku gives me a special feeling. Since childhood, I have always dreamed of having a track in Azerbaijan; either a street track or a permanent circuit, that I could drive on. Today, my childhood dream came true. I am very happy!”
F1's race director, Charlie Whiting, has passed the new circuit while Dubai-based driver Gulhuseyn Abdullayev, took the first laps.