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Formula One returns to the scene of one of the wackiest of races in recent history, as the streets of Baku ready itself for a repeat of the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Join The Roar for a live blog of the race from 10:10pm AEST.
The most recent addition to the calendar, the Baku Street Circuit is a fast and unforgiving beast, boasting 6km in length and a combination of fast straights and narrow corners.
51 laps will be what the drivers will have to negotiate for the fourth race of the championship, with soft, supersoft and ultrasoft tyres available from Pirelli’s range of rubber.
Conditions are set to be cool for the race, with even a slight possibility of rain on the forecast which should spice proceedings up – when already there is a high probability for Safety Car intervention.
Chinese Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo returns to the scene of his previous victory, having been the winner of the bonkers Baku race in 2017, with eyes on winning back-to-back events.
The Aussie will start the race from fourth, as he’ll look to survive the chaos and pass his rivals ahead.
Those rivals ahead include Sebastian Vettel on pole position, who for the first time since 2013 claimed his third consecutive pole.
Behind the German crucially, will be the Silver Arrows led by Lewis Hamilton – with a mistake from Kimi Räikkönen on his final flying lap, costing the Finn a higher position.
Winless in 2018, Hamilton comes to Baku having had torrid fortunes on the street circuit – having never finished on the podium. Eager to kickstart his title defence, a win for the reigning champion will be vital here.
Force India lead the best of the rest, having both cars qualify inside the top-ten for the first time in 2018. Esteban Ocon will head Sergio Perez on the grid, as the team have their best opportunity so far for a big haul of points.
Boosted too by the ‘power’ nature of the circuit was Williams, who had their cars qualify in eleventh and twelfth, however will be elevated a position each – with a 5-place grid penalty for Nico Hulkenberg to kick in.
Wind, cooler weather and tyre strategy. Who will emerge on top if chaos ensues then in Baku?
Tune in on The Roar from 10:10pm AEST for live blog coverage of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as we get set for another three-way encounter for the win.
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