FORMULA 1 IN BAKU

The Red Bull Racing Team - the current Formula 1 champion - held a demonstration race on Neftcilar Avenue in the centre of Baku

On a hot June day, residents of Baku were able to witness the fastest Formula-1 racing car - RB7, which helped Sebastian Vettel to become a world champion in 2011 and the Red Bull Racing Team to win a landslide victory in the Constructors' Championship.

RB7 showed Bakuvians incredible speed, agility, spectacular baking of "donuts" and phenomenal acceleration characteristics - from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds.

The bolide was driven by one of the most famous racers - Formula 1 legend David Coulthard.

The famous show, which was the focus of the world press, took place in front of 45,000 residents and guests of Baku. It was felt that Coulthard did not expect so much attention and so many people. Perhaps that's why he began his conversation with us from his impressions of Baku and its inhabitants.

- The streets of Baku fascinated me. Driving a bolide on such beautiful roads is a real pleasure. I was very pleased by people who had lined up along the route. I didn't expect such a huge number of viewers as the show took place on Sunday. Usually at this time, the townspeople go to the country.

- Did you have a chance to walk around the city?

- To be honest, I fell in love with Baku. On its streets, you feel like in a fairy tale, and the city enchants with its modern architecture. I would like to stay here and rest awhile. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to see Baku closely. I just walked around the track on which the show was to take place. I thought over the length of the route and possible manoeuvres on it in advance.

- What did you think about in the first place after receiving an invitation in Baku?

- I had very little information about the city. I first wondered about its streets - whether it is possible to stage a show here. I had a very warm welcome here. The length of the streets makes it easier to gain speed and allows you to make the planned manoeuvres. If Baku wishes, it can host a world Formula 1championship in a few years' time. All conditions are right for this in the city. There is no need to lay a separate track. You can hold a Formula 1 competition on the main streets.

- Do you think you managed to impress the residents of Baku?

- I saw an interest in Formula 1 in Azerbaijan. People are very fond of speed. In your city, there are a lot of expensive cars. Naturally, their drivers cannot but love speed. When various manoeuvres were performed, the audience wasn't surprised, as if they were aware of them beforehand. Most likely, people in your country are closely watching Formula 1 competitions. The impression is that those present here are well informed about it.

- Can Azerbaijan hold a Formula 1 Grand Prix?

- Formula 1 competitions require large financial expenses. Azerbaijan is developing rapidly, and I don't think there can be financial problems. You'll need to equip a special route for the competitors in the city or outside it. It would be desirable to involve a local sportsman. I'm sure that many in Azerbaijan are willing to take part in Formula 1 competitions. Your cars are moving through the city at high speeds, i.e. people love speed. So they cannot remain indifferent to these competitions. On the other hand, the holding of a Formula 1 competition in Baku will attract the world's attention. You recently hosted the Eurovision Song Contest. I think Formula 1 is more popular than Eurovision.

- Speaking of Formula 1, they mean speed. Are you also fond of speed in your personal life?

- I love speed, but I don't go beyond what is permitted. During the show, I make a variety of manoeuvres, but driving my own car, I understand that I can't repeat them. Do you think such a show is not accompanied by risk? After all, there are people along the track. Speed likes precision, and therefore, even the most common error may lead to terrible consequences.

- Do you mean that in your home town, you have never driven a car at such high speeds as on the streets of Baku?

- It's one thing when it's a competition, and another when it's usual driving. In everyday life, travelling at high speeds is extremely dangerous. Formula 1 teaches pilots to be disciplined. We know that it's impossible to drive at such a speed on an ordinary road. In my personal car, I know how to adjust the speed. I get my helping of adrenaline from Formula 1. And when driving on an ordinary street, speeding is absolutely unacceptable.

- What was the difference between the show in Baku and your programmes in other cities?

- Our programme has been demonstrated in several cities in Europe and the world. Listing them will take a long time. Undoubtedly, this stems from the huge interest in Formula 1. The programme in Baku was the first in Azerbaijan. I'd like to emphasize the interest of the local population. Some people just watch the show and enjoy it. In Baku, the audience literally excites the pilot driving a bolide! Their shouts and applause forced me to perform manoeuvres even more clearly. This is the main difference.