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Baku, Azerbaijan, April 20
By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:
Daniel Ricciardo, one of the Red Bull Racing drivers, in anticipation of the 2018 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, to be held in Baku April 27-29, has commented on the features of the Baku city circuit, F1News.ru website reported.
Unlike other city circuits, overtaking is possible in Baku, he said, adding that there are many places for overtaking, which is not the case in Monaco and Singapore.
The most difficult thing in Baku is braking, there are a lot of places where it is necessary to brake as late as possible, he said.
He noted that the biggest challenge in the Baku circuit is to pursue a car during braking.
"Furthermore, it is a fast track. The track in Monaco is not so fast. Overcoming the turns is the most important there, while in Baku braking is important. One needs not only to love the city track, but also respect it, understand its features. To drive fast, you need to attack to the limit and not make mistakes," Ricciardo said.
Ricciardo further reminded that last year's race in Baku turned out to be crazy.
"As last week in Shanghai, the team chose an amazing strategy and made several good decisions during the race. Did I think that I would win? No. But, everyone was wrong, and I overtook, catching the rhythm. I was a bit puzzled at the finish line, trying to figure out how we won the race, but at the same time I was delighted. It was a crazy and fun race, which I will remember forever," he said.
Red Bull Racing's other driver Max Verstappen, for his part, voiced hope for a better performance in this year's race compared to last year.
"Last year, this weekend was a bad one for me. The car was quick, but I faced many problems, which eventually led to the fact that I missed out a place on the podium and maybe the victory. I hope this year I will be able to compensate for the missed opportunity. I like to come here and race. The track is interesting, though we cannot say that it is perfect for our car. The straight line is very long – we will give way to the leaders on it, although last year we managed to get around the problems, and so we looked good in the race," he said.
Verstappen noted that the section of the route near the Maiden Tower looks great on the television picture.
In that place, the track is very narrow, it is necessary to be very accurate, because one cannot make mistake there, especially on modern wide cars, he added.
Verstappen noted that Baku is a cool city.
"I have not yet managed to see Baku, as the hotel is located next to paddock. On the one hand, it is convenient, on the other – you cannot see much in the city during the weekend. I heard that the local cuisine is very tasty – this year I will try to taste it," he said.