Baku, June 19, AZERTAC

Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe has been held in Baku.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, his spouse and family members watched the official opening ceremony of Formula 1 and final race.

Following the opening ceremony, President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva - accompanied by Formula One Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone - viewed the race control building.

Before the start of F1 Grand Prix of Europe, Azerbaijan's national anthem was performed by 40 members of the Azerbaijan State Children Philharmonic.

Baku City Circuit loops around the central and the most picturesque streets of Baku. When it came to selecting the perfect route for the race, the organizers decided to emphasize the panoramic view of the city. The specially constructed street circuit sees F1 cars race around the stunning downtown area of Baku, incorporating its UNESCO-protected old city - Icheri Sheher historical-architectural reserve - as well as its modern skyline and beautiful Caspian Sea promenade.

Another interesting fact is that the cars race in an anti-clockwise direction. The length of the widest part of the track is 13m, and the narrowest width is 7.6m between the 7th and 8th turns, which are situated along Icheri Sheher.

The Start and Finish lanes are located at the Azadlig Square. Moreover, the Formula 1 Paddock, team garages and pit lanes are also located here. With 20 turns of different complexity and the 2.2 km long coastline acceleration lane, allowing the race cars to reach the speed up to 340 km/hour, Baku City Circuit proved itself as the fastest city track in the contemporary Formula 1 calendar.

Nico Rosberg of Mercedes extended his world championship lead with a crushing victory in the Grand Prix. It was Rosberg's fifth victory of the season and first since Russia, leaving him 24 points clear of Hamilton in the drivers' standings.

He received the cup from President Ilham Aliyev.

Azerbaijan's First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva handed Formula 1 champion constructor trophy to Mercedes team representative.

Scuderia Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who came second, was awarded by Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov, while President of Azerbaijan Automobile Federation Anar Alakbarov presented the third place trophy to Force India's Sergio Perez.