Formula 1 fever hits Baku: Azerbaijan Grand Prix begins with exciting free practice Day one schedule 

The Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix kicks off in Baku on September 13.

The first day of the competition will feature two free practice sessions for the Formula 1 class, as well as test and qualifying sessions for Formula 2, Caliber.Az reports.

The Baku track, measuring 6.003 km in length, includes 20 turns and 51 laps, with drivers covering a total distance of 306.049 km. The Baku track is notable for its exceptionally long main straight, which at 2.1 km is the longest on the championship calendar, allowing drivers to reach speeds of up to 340 km/h. Another distinctive feature of the track is its eight 90-degree corners.

As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix approaches, the current standings are as follows: Dutch driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull leads with 303 points, British driver Lando Norris of McLaren is in second place with 241 points, and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari is third with 217 points. Australian driver Oscar Piastri, also from McLaren, follows in fourth with 197 points, while Carlos Sainz of Ferrari rounds out the top five with 184 points.

In the Constructors' Championship, Red Bull leads with 446 points, McLaren is in second place with 438 points, and Ferrari holds third with 407 points. Schedule for the first day of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix: - 11:00 (GMT+4): Formula 2 - Free Practice - 13:30 (GMT+4): Formula 1 - First Free Practice - 15:00 (GMT+4): Formula 2 - Qualifying Session - 17:00 (GMT+4): Formula 1 - Second Free Practice The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will conclude on September 15. 

Baku City Circuit Operations Company has announced that this year, the global viewership for the Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix is expected to reach a record high. Approximately 300 journalists, including around 200 international journalists, will cover the event. Major global media outlets such as Sky Sports, Motorsport, Canal+, Netflix, and The Sun will share thrilling footage of the races on the streets of Baku over the three-day event. 

Currently, journalists have access to a media centre with a capacity of 450, established by the Baku City Circuit operational company. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix attracted 90 million viewers in 2023 compared to 59 million in 2022. Given the expected increase in fans, tourists, journalists, and ticket sales, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is anticipated to set a new world record for viewership this year. 

The Azerbaijani Interior Ministry has announced that the list of prohibited items for entry into the fan zone during the 2024 Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix, sponsored by Qatar Airways, was released. Alcoholic beverages, all types of drink containers (except for those intended for children), food, firearms, knives, and other non-combat weapons, fireworks, flammable materials, laser pointers, rollerblades, skateboards, Segways, bicycles, scooters, picnic baskets, large items, backpacks, and professional video and camera equipment with lenses longer than 30 cm. are banned from being brought into the fan zone.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024 is being held in Baku on September 13-15, 2024. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event that was held for the first time in 2017. It is held on the Baku City Circuit, a street circuit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The event is due to take place at the Baku City Circuit until at least 2026.