THE AMAZING TRACK

The capital of Azerbaijan will be the host of Formula-1 races recognized as the King of Motorsport. It is expected that the current race titled the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan will be more interesting, since the pilots are already familiar with the Baku track and will try to win in the uncompromising struggle.

The former Formula-1 pilot, David Coulthard, also visited Baku to examine the changes on the track and shared his impressions with R+.

You have been to Baku twice. This is your third visit to our capital. What can you tell us about Baku and the racetrack?

I have been lucky to visit Baku a few years before the first Formula-1 Grand Prix and to see the city before the works started. I have witnessed the gradual progress of the paddock construction. But most of all, the amazing history of Baku has fascinated me. The magnificent architecture and urban environment of your city perfectly match the spirit of the Formula-1. Baku and the Grand Prix have many similarities. Formula-1 is like a main concept that unites the sport and Baku. And I still stand by what I said at my first visit to your capital: the Baku ring road is an amazing racetrack and a test site for the Formula-1 pilots. You can hardly find this feature in urban tracks.

Last year, most pilots were talking about the difficulty of the Baku racetrack...

Indeed, the most interesting moment in Baku is that there are two tracks merging into a single one. On the eighth corner of the track running along the Icheri Sheher’s fortress, there is an extremely narrow and steep segment. Then, you drive at high speed towards the Boulevard. I think that is why the pilots were very cautious during the first tournament. During training on simulators, they have realised that a slightest mistake could lead to an accident, and decided to abstain from possible risks. However, the Baku tournament was one of the difficult weekends. That's why I'm looking forward to the second Grand Prix. I hope this time the pilots will be ready to act more risky.

What do you think about the new racecars presented recently? It seems most of the pilots are satisfied...

Well, the pilots like them. And that is the most important thing. For the last two years, the pilots had had to drive very carefully. Now they got a chance to attack at the maximum speed. Although the Formula-1 is a team sport, the fans are mostly focused on pilots. Naturally, if a car likes his car, the competition is going to be more interesting.

We can see traditional favourites of the races in recent years. Who will become the champion this year?

My favourite is the Mercedes team. They have a great engine, which leaves behind the other manufacturers. I am sure that the competition will be even more intense. I think that we will witness a real struggle between several teams. Of course, the rivals will gradually catch up with the Mercedes. But this requires very large resources and time.

There has been a lot of talk about changing the format of the Formula-1 races. Is there a need to change the calendar of events for the competition with such a great history?

We must be extremely careful and smart about this. Yes, we need a young audience. But it is very difficult to attract and keep the kids and youth these days. Today they have video games, where they can assemble a whole car on their own. Obviously, it is very difficult for us to compete with these games. So, before changing anything, one has to need to think it twice. The fans perceive the Formula-1 as it is.

Which competition do you think was the best in your career?

The best period of my career was, most likely, at the end of the 90s when I had a chance to perform in great racecars. First of all, I recall the Grand Prix of France in 2000 and my competition with Michael Schumacher. In fact, it was a very difficult weekend for our team. I even lost control of my emotions for a moment. It was a very intense struggle, at the brink of our strengths, which we used to demonstrate all our skills on the track. That is a kind of fight one remembers for a long time. I will never forget this struggle against Schumacher.

At the same time I remember well the victories in Portugal, the Great Britain and Belgium. I also remember a surge of emotions that embraced me after my second victory at the Monaco Grand Prix. That day, I was in the lead for the entire race. Each victory is unique. But the competition in Monte Carlo was completely different. The victory in Monaco is a memory I will never forget. I do appreciate all my victories, as I have got them in the competition against such pilots as Mika Hakkinen and Michael Schumacher. Although in general, sometimes they were better than me and sometimes I was ahead of them.

Which of your rivals would you call the toughest one?

Your toughest opponent is always your own partner. But in comparison with others, Michael Schumacher was the most difficult partner to compete with. He was an incredibly uncompromising pilot. It was also very difficult to fight with Hakkinen. Our struggle has been extremely honest. We have worked together on racecars, and had a wonderful partnership. But at the same time, we have been competing with each other.

You praised Baku but did not mention our cuisine...

(Laughs). There is no need to talk about the Azerbaijani cuisine. One should try it. Your meals are calorie-rich but very tasty. I still remember the taste of your national meals, which I have tried on my first visit to Baku. Normally, my visits last for several days. If I extend my stay here, I am sure I will add weight. It is hard to resist at the sight of your delicious food.

Thank you for your interview. We are looking forward to seeing you at the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan.

Thank you. See you in June.