The Baku World Challenge was an international motorsport competition in Baku, Azerbaijan, held on a temporary street circuit on closed public roads.
History
2012 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 street circuit around the Government House. Gymkhana drifters and entertainment activities were the supporting program. According to the promoter, the event had 42,000 visitors.
2013 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 . The event was organized by Jean-François Chaumont and the former Formula 1 driver Thierry Boutsen.
2014 In 2014, the last race of the Blancpain Sprint Series was held in Baku as Baku World Challenge. The series used a new shortened circuit close to the Baku Crystal Hall and the National Flag Square. The circuit was shortened to . The event was closed following the announcement that Formula One would hold a street race in Baku from 2016.
Winners Year Driver Constructor Team 2012 Frédéric Makowiecki Stef Dusseldorp McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Hexis Racing 2013 Stéphane Ortelli Laurens Vanthoor Audi R8 LMS ultra Belgian Audi Club Team WRT 2014 Laurens Vanthoor César Ramos Audi R8 LMS ultra Belgian Audi Club Team WRT
Lap records
The fastest official race lap records at the Baku World Challenge are listed as:
Category Time Driver Vehicle Event Street Circuit (2014): GT3 1:29.488 Laurens Vanthoor Audi R8 LMS ultra 2014 Baku World Challenge Street Circuit (2013): GT3 1:42.583 René Rast Audi R8 LMS ultra 2013 Baku World Challenge Original Circuit (2012): GT3 1:03.939 Sean Edwards Porsche 911 (997 II) GT3 R 2012 City Challenge Baku
References
External links Official Baku World Challenge homepage