The Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2026 after a three-year extension was announced on Saturday.
The country pays significant hosting fees to commercial rights holders Liberty Media but the fast city circuit is also a challenge for drivers and has a reputation for crashes and excitement since its debut in 2016.
Baku is hosting the first sprint race of the season this weekend. To date no driver has won more than once in Azerbaijan.
"The Baku City Circuit has become a hugely popular venue for Formula 1," said F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali in a statement.
"It is an incredible circuit which always delivers huge drama, and has played host to some of the most exciting races in recent memory. We are delighted to extend our relationship."
Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, added: "We are thrilled to confirm our continued partnership with Formula 1. Ever since we first hosted this event in 2016, the economic, social, and cultural impact of the sport on our city and country has been remarkable.
"The FORMULA 1 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX is a source of great pride for the whole country and will now continue to inspire and excite our fans for a further three years. The past six races have been some of the best and most dramatic in the sport’s long history and we look forward to creating more magical moments for F1 fans at home and abroad over the next three years – starting with this weekend.
"Moreover, today’s agreement has come during a weekend that sees us hosting a record number of fans from over 100 countries, which only serves to make this moment even more special," he concluded.
(
Reporting by Alan Baldwin, Additional Reporting by GrandPrix247
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