Azerbaijan could be set to make its debut on the F1 calendar much earlier than first expected.<\/p>\n
We reported last week that plans are racing ahead for a street race in the oil-rich former Soviet state’s capital Baku.<\/p>\n
Bernie Ecclestone had said 2016 was the most likely race date, even though Azerbaijan officials “are talking about 2015”.<\/p>\n
“We have signed the deal with Bernie Ecclestone and will announce it officially with an event in Baku shortly,” sports minister Azad Rahimov confirmed.<\/p>\n
The Associated Press claims the contract is actually for a debut race in 2015, not 2016.<\/p>\n
“Formula one will be held in Baku in autumn 2015,” sports ministry spokeswoman Samaya Mammadova confirmed, revealing that a contract signing ceremony was being planned for later in May.<\/p>\n
Now, Germany’s Welt newspaper has raised the prospect of a race in Baku this year — 2014.<\/p>\n
It would reportedly fill a potential three-week gap between the Japanese and US races later this year, due to the increasing uncertainty now surrounding the scheduled inaugural running of the Russian grand prix.<\/p>\n
The Crimean crisis, and the growing threat of war between Russia and Ukraine and escalating western sanctions, have cast major doubt on the formula one race in Sochi.<\/p>\n
Also in doubt is the Russian round of this year’s German touring car series, scheduled to take place in July at the Moscow Raceway.<\/p>\n
When asked if DTM will be going to Russia in 2014, series organiser Hans-Werner Aufrecht answered: “As of today (yes).”<\/p>\n
The DTM organisation ITR said: “As the organiser, we are naturally watching the current developments very closely, aware that our race at the Moscow Raceway is dependent on the political situation.”<\/p>\n
ITR admitted that in the case of a cancellation, “We would have an alternative, as anything else would be irresponsible and unprofessional.”<\/p>\n
Die Welt claimed that F1’s potential replacement for Sochi has “already been established” — Azerbaijan.<\/p>\n
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