Baku race set for 2017 name tweak

A general view showing the Qosha gate building from the circuit during previews ahead of the European Formula One Grand Prix at Baku City Circuit on June 16, 2016
© Getty Images
The Formula 1 race on the streets of Baku is set for a name tweak.

The Formula 1 race on the streets of Baku is set for a name tweak.

When the race in the Azerbaijan capital made its F1 debut, promoter Arif Rahimov said that the former Soviet state wanted to showcase itself as a "modern European country".

It was therefore called the European Grand Prix.

However, major Azerbaijan news agency Trend now reports that the Baku race is set to be renamed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for 2017 and beyond.

"We hope the next race will be held under the name of the Azerbaijani Grand Prix," a circuit spokesperson confirmed.

"We successfully held Formula 1 in the capital for the first time [in 2015]. Therefore, it is time to link the name of this stage with our country."

The report said that the request had been lodged with F1 authorities and there had been no objection.

Indeed, on the provisional 2017 calendar published recently, the FIA listed a June 18 race date for Baku, marked as "Azerbaijan".

Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes walks in the paddock during previews to the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya on May 12, 2016
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