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Azerbaijan set to announce F1 deal

LONDON, England -A Formula 1 GP in Azerbaijan at the crossroads of Asia and Europe could be on the calender for 2016.

In 2013 Bernie Ecclestone stunned F1's headline writers when he first mentioned the capital Baku as a potential host for the sport, saying: "They are talking about 2015. That is a possibility but 2016 is more likely."

Indeed, the Olympic games-themed website insidethegames.biz claims a deal for 2016, with the race to be called the European GP, has been reached. Azerbaijan will host the inaugural European Games in 2015.

STREET CIRCUIT IN BAKU

The report said the F1 race would take place on a street circuit, perhaps a modified version of the 4.4km layout that hosts an event around Baku for GT3 cars.

Azerbaijan sports minister Azad Rahimov has been quoted as saying: "We've signed the deal with Bernie Ecclestone and will announce it officially with an event in Baku shortly."

Ecclestone has also flagged the possibility of a return to India. The Delhi round was axed for 2014 because of bureaucratic, tax and financial hurdles.

Ecclestone said: "The race organisers just need to come to London to sort out the existing contract. Though the race promoters have not said when they will come we are constantly talking and they look very eager to get the race back.

"I am also confident that all financial issues will be sorted out and India will be back on the calendar. As I have said in the past, India is an important market for F1. I really want to see the race return."

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 F1 season – fresh reports every day.
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