Turab Teymurov: "The preparation for the races is going full speed”

Interview with National Press Officer of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2022 Turab Teymurov

- Tell us about the preparation for the next Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and what can fans expect this year?   

It is the sixth year that our country is hosting the Formula 1 races. The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2022 is going to take place on June 10-12 this year and will last for three days. We have launched ticket sales a few weeks ago. Currently, all grandstand zone tickets are available and it comes as no surprise that the fans show great interest. The ticket prices for local fans range from 90 AZN to 970 AZN. 

You can get your tickets at our official website https://www.bakucitycircuit.com/az or local ticket sales points across Baku. The tickets are mostly acquired by Turkish, British, and Russian fans. In addition, fans from Spain, The Netherlands, Denmark, France, Norway, and many others are also among those who are looking forward to the next breathtaking race in Baku. I would also like to note that tickets are offered with a special discount of up to 25% for Azerbaijani citizens and foreign citizens holding residence permits in Azerbaijan. 

- Formula 1 races are known for their exciting entertainment programmes, what about this year? 

We are happy that unlike 2021, this year, the fans will be able to watch the races live. The priority of BCC in organizing this major event will always continue to be the health and safety of all attendees, especially as we still face many uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Due to this, the evening post-race concerts unfortunately will not be taking place across the 2022 race weekend. The fans are kindly asked to follow the COVID-19 safety regulations present in the host country during the race. We will be, however, organizing various entertainment programmes to engage the fans just like we did in previous years. These entertainment programmes are an integral part of the race format, it brings an extra dose of excitement to the fans. I am sure that long-time Formula 1 fans who have been a part of previous Formula 1 races will only agree. 

-  Please give us some information about the Media accreditation process for 2022

The application process for the accreditation of local media was launched on March 9. Media accreditation for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2022 and the media accreditation for the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship is administered by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Formula One Management (FOM). The application process for the local media is carried out by BCC. Any local media wishing to register must go to the official accreditation page, complete the given application form, upload all the required documents online. The overall application process is expected to finalize on April 14. 

- Tell us about marshals that play a very special role in Formula 1 races. Any update on their selection process? 

As you are well aware, marshals play a key role in the organization and delivery of Formula 1 races all over the world. Marshals are also known as “Race Officials” in the world of Formula 1. 

We expect around 1500 marshals (both local and international) to participate in races and Azerbaijan Automobile Federation will award the successful marshals of the F1 race weekend with an international license certified by International Automobile Federation (FIA). 

This international license will enable the marshals to participate in future Formula 1 Grand Prix races in all host countries along with Azerbaijan. The selection process has been finalized and their training is underway. 

- How many volunteers will join the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2022?

We have received more than 8,000 applications this year. The interview stage of the selection has already been finalized. The fact that this year we organize the races with the fans present has had a positive impact on the increased number of volunteers. There will be 1,500 volunteers to support the races this year. More than 100 international volunteers from all over the world, countries like the USA, England, Germany, China, Uzbekistan have applied to be a part of this breathtaking chapter. Physically challenged candidates are also very eager to volunteer and gain invaluable experience, and we have received their applications as well. 

- Turab, finally, we would love to hear your message to the fans

First off, I would like to urge the fans to hurry up and get their tickets before they are sold out! We at the Baku City Circuit Operations Company are fully focused on organizing and delivering the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the top level this year.  

I am very proud that we will host the next Formula 1 race in Baku as winners and will glorify the country with its ultimate vigour and grace.