Grand Prix of Europe preview: F1 goes into the unknown

Focus on ... the Baku City Circuit

For the sixth time this decade, Formula One arrives in an all-new paddock this weekend. If the forays to Korea, India and Russia and the returns to the U.S.A. and Mexico have taught us anything over the past six years, it's that setting up a new race is not a simple task. But that hasn't stopped the city of Baku joining the circus for 2016 with an all-new street circuit quite unlike anything F1 has seen before.

The capital city of the oil-rich nation of Azerbaijan has a PR strategy to match a Hollywood celebrity. Hosting sporting events is a tried and tested way of putting a city on the map and last year Baku held the inaugural European Games to get the ball rolling. The "Grand Prix of Europe" is now set to call Baku home for the next seven years, but it remains to be seen whether the race is a success or goes the way of Korea and India. The official name of the grand prix also tells you everything you need to know about the motivation behind the expenditure as Azerbaijan, which straddles the geographical divide between Europe and Asia, attempts to position itself as a tourist and commerce destination for the West.

In order to promote the best the city has to offer, the circuit runs on a sightseeing tour past some of the most stunning architecture Baku has to offer. The result is a bizarre mix of low-speed corners -- some ideally suited to Monaco levels of downfoce -- and long, high-speed straights that closer resemble the flat-out blasts of Monza. The whole track is coated in fresh layer of tarmac, meaning the bumps and painted lines associated with a traditional street circuit will not be a concern. But there is one section that will catch the drivers' attention.

Turns 8, 9 and 10 are unlike any other section of race track on the calendar. From the long straights and 90 degree corners of the opening part of the lap, the circuit becomes a completely different beast as it skirts the Old City. The section is more Mario Kart (Bowser's Castle to be specific) than F1 circuit and would probably be better suited to a two-stroke go-kart than a 900bhp F1 car. It narrows to just 7.6 metres at one point and features a sharp left at Turn 8 followed by a steep climb to the Old City gates. Turns 9 and 10 jut out at the cars as they go uphill, with UNESCO-protected city walls on the left defining the shape of the track. The section is unlikely to help the racing -- passing will be impossible and it is more likely to spread the field -- but it will provide that all-important iconic photo for the race organisers.

In need of a podium

Nico Rosberg seemed to be in cruise control when he claimed win four from four in Russia. Since then he's not returned to the podium, his championship lead cut to a paltry nine points. There's plenty of time left in the championship but he will know from 2014 and 2015 there is nothing more dangerous than giving Lewis Hamilton with some momentum on his side -- a return to form is a must this weekend.

In need of points

Renault hasn't scored a point since the Russian Grand Prix and endured a challenging weekend in Monaco, where both drivers spent much of the weekend in the wall, and Canada. It has clearly made a step forward but most of that is being shown by customer team Red Bull as Renault continues its slow recovery from its days as cash-strapped Lotus. The unknown element of Baku gives the perfect opportunity for Renault to upset the order and return to the top ten.

ESPN prediction

Lewis Hamilton appears to be hitting form while Nico Rosberg's is going in the other direction. We're predicting a Hamilton victory but with Ferrari close, with Mercedes struggles in Singapore potentially a cause for concern again this weekend.

Weather

After the cold temperatures of Montreal, the F1 paddock is set for a return to hot weather in Baku. Highs of 32 degrees are forecast during the race, though Friday and Saturday look likely to be considerably cooler. Despite being a factor for the last two weekends, rain is almost definitely not going to fall during the weekend, meaning teams know their dry running in the three practice sessions will be relevant for the race.

Betting

Lewis Hamilton has returned to form and to favour with the bookies, who are touting him for a third win in a row at 10/11. Keep an eye out on Sebastian Vettel (11/2) and Daniel Ricciardo (12/1), who could both be in the mix come race day. The Renault drivers are an outside bet of 12/1 to reach the points, while anyone feeling optimistic can find odds of 6/1 for the winning driver to come from the second row of the grid.

A lap with... Carlos Sainz

"I'm really looking forward to this race even if, to be honest, I don't know what to expect! I've driven this track a few times on the sim, but experiencing a new circuit for the first time is always an exciting challenge.

"The first four turns are all 90-degree corners. Then, from Turn 5 onwards, it starts to get very interesting. It reminds me a lot of the Macau circuit: the section from Turn 7 to 12 is very similar to its tight section, while the long straight that goes from the exit of Turn 16 all the way to Turn 1 is very like its straight.

"The top speed here in Baku should be one of the highest of the season and it looks like you are flat out from the exit of Turn 16 all the way to the first corner! I think that the braking at Turn 15 will be tricky - at least it was on the sim! I can't say much more as I've never been there. I just hope it's actually as nice as Macau, which I've always regarded as the most iconic track and it would be great for Formula One to have a circuit like it."

Tyres

Available compounds: Medium, soft and super-soft