Despite the thoughts of some drivers, Carlos Sainz believes that the street circuit in Baku is incomparable to the one in Monaco. Many drivers have likened the two to each other, but Sainz states that they are very different.
The walls in Baku are very close, with some parts of the track tighter than Monaco itself. Concentration levels are needed to be very high, according to Sainz, as any little mistake can end the driver's session.
"You can't compare the Baku track layout to Monaco, even if it's a street circuit… It's not better or worse, just different. It's a very tough circuit to race at – I wouldn't say it's tougher than Monaco, but it gets quite close to it and any small mistake can be critical, so you have to stay concentrated and focused at all times.
“I enjoyed it there last year, I think it was quite a special race… It was just a shame I couldn't get to finish it because I was enjoying it a lot out there. I remember having very good battles with the McLarens and Red Bulls and there was no rest."
Unique photographs
An iconic part of the race track is the run from turn 8 to turn ten. The circuit tightens and runs by a castle, which Sainz says makes for some good photographs: "We don't get to enjoy the views while we drive at 300kph, but one of the things I like the most of Baku is the medieval castle that becomes part of the backdrop while racing there – some of the photos of this race are unique!"
Fergal Walsh
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
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