Bernie Ecclestone is at it again. In comments made to the U.K.’s Daily Mail, Ecclestone confirmed that Formula One will race in Azerbaijan, either in 2015 or 2016. The deal is likely to come together with possible involvement from former Renault team principal Flavio Briatore, and is expected to be held in the capital city of Baku.
“We’re going to Azerbaijan,” Ecclestone told the Mail. “The people out there (in Azerbaijan) are talking about holding a race in 2015. That may be a bit soon — unless it’s at the end of the season, that’s a possibility. But 2016 is more likely.”
As always when it comes to awarding these races, the key issue is money, and it appears that Azerbaijan is prepared to dole out big dollars to bring a Formula One Grand Prix to the streets of Baku. The country has hosted the Baku World Challenge over the last two years, featuring FIA sanctioned GT racing. The move up to a Grand Prix seems a natural one as long as the money is right.
Ecclestone also said that he continues to remain hopeful that the Russian Grand Prix will be able to be held in Sochi this year, with part of the course going through the Olympic Stadium, despite the current unrest and dicey political situation between Russia, the Ukraine, and the rest of the UN right now.
Ecclestone is also trying to make a deal to bring Formula One back to Long Beach California after a 30-year abscence. The circuit is currently on a deal with IndyCar but that is set to expire after the 2015 race. Ecclestone wants to take back the track for Formula One. The results of the bidding will be known before the 2014 Formula One season officially opens on the March 13th – 16th weekend with the Australian Grand Prix.
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