2017 Baku GP could be night race

Jun.18 (GMM) It is possible the next edition of the European grand prix at Baku could be held at night.

With the F1 circus in town this weekend for the inaugural race in the Azerbaijan capital, most visitors have noticed that Baku is particularly spectacular once the sun goes down.

But promoter Arif Rahimov had said earlier in June that "I think in the first year we have enough challenge without lighting, so there is no clear plan for that (a night race). Maybe one day."

Speed Week is now reporting that the first Baku night race could in fact take place as early as 2017.

"We know well about the beauty of our city at night," the race's marketing director Nigar Arpadarai said.

"But we consciously wanted our first grand prix to be in the day so that we learn from it.

"A night race requires a more developed infrastructure, but we are discussing this very intensely.

"I do not know if it will happen in 2017, but I would not rule it out," she added.