Baku World Challenge
Location | Baku, Azerbaijan |
---|---|
Time zone | UTC+04:00 |
Coordinates | 40°23′43″N 49°52′56″E / 40.39528°N 49.88222°E |
Broke ground | October 12, 2012 |
Opened | October 25, 2012 |
Closed | November 2, 2014 |
Former names | City Challenge Baku (2012) |
Major events | Blancpain Sprint Series (2013–2014) |
Street Circuit (2014) | |
Surface | Asphalt |
Length | 3.890 km (2.417 miles) |
Turns | 13 |
Race lap record | 1:29.488 ( Laurens Vanthoor, Audi R8 LMS ultra, 2014, GT3) |
Street Circuit (2013) | |
Surface | Asphalt |
Length | 4.380 km (2.722 miles) |
Turns | 13 |
Race lap record | 1:42.583 ( René Rast, Audi R8 LMS ultra, 2013, GT3) |
Original Circuit (2012) | |
Surface | Asphalt |
Length | 2.144 km (1.332 miles) |
Turns | 14 |
Race lap record | 1:03.939 ( Sean Edwards, Porsche 911 GT3 R, 2012, GT3) |
History
2012
In 2012 (October 28), the City Challenge GmbH organized a stand-alone event for GT3-spec cars in Baku. It was called City Challenge Baku. The races were held on a 2.144 km (1.332 mi) street circuit around the Government House. Gymkhana drifters and entertainment activities were the supporting program. According to the promoter, the event had 42,000 visitors.
2013
In 2013, the finale of the FIA GT Championship was held in Baku as Baku World Challenge. The series used a new street circuit close to the Baku Crystal Hall and the National Flag Square. It had a length of 4.380 km (2.722 mi). The event was organized by Jean-François Chaumont and the former Formula 1 driver Thierry Boutsen.
2014
In 2014, the last race of the Blancpain Sprint Series was held in Baku as Baku World Challenge. The series used a new shortened circuit close to the Baku Crystal Hall and the National Flag Square. The circuit was shortened to 3.890 km (2.417 mi). The event was closed following the announcement that Formula One would hold a street race in Baku from 2016.
Winners
Lap records
The official race lap records at the Baku World Challenge are listed as:
Category | Time | Driver | Vehicle | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Street Circuit: 3.890 km (2014) | ||||
GT3 | 1:29.488 | Laurens Vanthoor | Audi R8 LMS ultra | 2014 Baku World Challenge |
Street Circuit: 4.380 km (2013) | ||||
GT3 | 1:42.583 | René Rast | Audi R8 LMS ultra | 2013 Baku World Challenge |
Original Circuit: 2.144 km (2012) | ||||
GT3 | 1:03.939 | Sean Edwards | Porsche 911 (997 II) GT3 R | 2012 City Challenge Baku |
References
- ^ Fabian Stein (November 20, 2013). "Wie die Challenge nach Baku kam". adrivo Sportpresse GmbH. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
- ^ "Baku City Circuit – Racing Circuits". Racingcircuits.info. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ "Overwhelming media coverage of Baku event". City Challenge GmbH. Archived from the original on March 3, 2014. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
- ^ "Zolder round of the Blancpain GT Series postponed by a week". SRO Motorsports Group. January 13, 2014. Archived from the original on February 17, 2014. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
- ^ "Blancpain Sprint Series Baku 2014". Racingsportscars. November 2, 2014. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ "Blancpain GT Series – Sprint Cup Pro 2014 standings". Driver Database. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
- ^ "Baku World Challenge 2013 FIA GT Series Result List Main Race – Official" (PDF). Blancpain Timing. November 24, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
- ^ "Baku World Challenge 2013 FIA GT Series Result List Main Race – Official". Racingsportscars. October 28, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2023.