Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll enter the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a good feeling. The two-time world champion hopes Aston Martin can continue to develop after the team’s great start to the season, while his Canadian team-mate returns to a special place for him.
Alonso explains in an Aston Martin press release that the Baku City Circuit is not just another track on the Formula 1 calendar. “The circuit presents us as drivers with a unique challenge as we deal with a lot of tight, low-speed street sections. Then you have straights where you drive at extremely high speed, which creates a lot of opportunities for risk and reward.”
With the return of sprint racing, there are even more risks and rewards for the drivers. “I am excited to see the return of the Sprint this weekend as well. We’ve also seen some fun races in the past and I’m sure it won’t be any different, especially now with two qualifying sessions and two races. After three races we also know our car better, but we have to pick up where we left off in Australia and keep developing the upcoming races.’
Stroll returns to first F1 podium spot
Stroll returns to a special place for him, he explains. ‘Baku is a location of which I have fond memories. I achieved my first podium in Formula 1 here in 2017.’ Soon the eyes return to the present. “We are going into this weekend hoping to continue our form from the first part of the season. Overall it’s a wild ride, a really fun track.’
The Canadian is also looking forward to the sprint race. “We will also have the first Sprint of the year this weekend and with a different format, which I think will be great for the fans. We need to get off to a flying start as there will be little time to prepare for qualifying and the races. The team has done a fantastic job this year, so I know we are ready for the challenge.’
