In Ferrari’s preview ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Circuit Operations Manager Nicola Bariselli answered questions from the press service…
Q: What type of circuit can the Baku City Circuit be classified as?
Nicola Bariselli: This is a street track, but it’s not like any other. It stands on its own as in addition to the expected 90 degree turns, it has a very slow section and very long straights. This circuit even contains one of the longest straights of the season. It’s hard for drivers, but Carlos, and especially Charles, like to race here.
Q: Why is the circuit in Baku considered demanding for the power plant?
Nicola Bariselli: Because this job needs a power plant that is efficient in everything. Riders need good handling in tight and slow sections, but with energy savings that could be better spent on long straights.
Power is also very important, especially when accelerating out of many slow corners on a fast lap in qualifying and during the race.
Q: The course is below sea level and there is usually a lot of wind. How do these two factors affect machine operation?
Nicola Bariselli: Environmental conditions have serious consequences for the optimization of the beam “machine – power station”. In particular, changes in wind force and direction can alter cornering speed, which in turn affects torque and gear ratio settings, as well as straight-line time. The difference between a tailwind or a headwind in a straight line can be a few tenths of a second.”
Source: F1 News
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