Blancpain Sprint Series | |
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First race | 2012 |
Last race | 2014 |
Laps | ca. 30 |
Duration | 1 hour |
Previous names | City Challenge Baku (2012) Baku World Challenge (2013–2014) |
Most wins (driver) | Laurens Vanthoor (2) |
Most wins (team) | Belgian Audi Club Team WRT (2) |
Most wins (manufacturer) | Audi (2) |
The Baku World Challenge was an international motorsport competition in Baku, Azerbaijan, held on a temporary street circuit on closed public roads.
Location | Baku, Azerbaijan |
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Time zone | UTC+04:00 |
Coordinates | 40°23′43″N49°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) |
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. [1] [2] Gymkhana drifters and entertainment activities were the supporting program. According to the promoter, the event had 42,000 visitors. [3]
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. [1] [2]
In 2014, the last race of the Blancpain Sprint Series was held in Baku as Baku World Challenge. [4] 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). [2] The event was closed following the announcement that Formula One would hold a street race in Baku from 2016.
The official race lap records at the Baku World Challenge are listed as:
Category | Time | Driver | Vehicle | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Street Circuit: 3.890 km (2014) [2] | ||||
GT3 | 1:29.488 [5] | Laurens Vanthoor [6] | Audi R8 LMS ultra | 2014 Baku World Challenge |
Street Circuit: 4.380 km (2013) [2] | ||||
GT3 | 1:42.583 [7] | René Rast | Audi R8 LMS ultra | 2013 Baku World Challenge |
Original Circuit: 2.144 km (2012) [2] | ||||
GT3 | 1:03.939 [8] | Sean Edwards | Porsche 911 (997 II) GT3 R | 2012 City Challenge Baku |
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