Head of the Marketing and Communication Department in the `Baku Grand Prix` Nigar Arpadarai gave an exclusive interview to Eurasia Diary regarding Baku Grand Prix.
Eurasia Diary: What are the priorities ahead of the Baku City Circuit Operations Company as the organizer of the 2016 Formula 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE taking place in Baku? Could you tell us more about company?
Nigar Arpadarai: We are on our track to work with our full capacity to finish the preparations. At the same time we try to publicize internationally our awareness rising campaigns about the 2016 Formula 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE. Near the Baku Boulevard we have special information floors for the interested ones to show the activities related to the Formula 1.
At the same time, we are planning to visit Bahrain this weekend to have a close glance at organizing procedures for Grand Prix. We also in contact with foreign media, as during the last month, we hosted variety of advanced foreign media representatives, journalists and sport writers from England, Russia, Turkey and Germany. In the upcoming months, we are planning to held different events for promotion of European Grand Prix.
E. D: Less than three months left for the race. How the preparation process is going on?
N.A: We are working according to our plan. Currently, the last reconstructions procedures on the route roads of the race of the Baku City Circuit are underway. We have already finished the Volunteering and Marshall programmes. Currently, our volunteers are on interviewing process. Following the Volunteering and Marshall programmes we will have selection and division of positions procedures. They will go through some theoretical and practical training. In total, the number of the volunteers involved is 5000 and marshals is 1300 (300of which planned to be involved from foreign countries).
E. D: As we know every city hosting Formula 1 Grant Prix tries to make it memorable with several innovations. How the European Grand Prix will bear in our minds?
N.A: Baku City Circuit has several specific features, such as the track of the race is planned to pass through one of the most historical part of Baku, incorporating its old city with modern skylines. There are 20 difficult turns. The length of the track is 6km. After Monaco and Singapore, Baku city Circuit is the third city track the formula 1 Grand Prix to hold. Driver speeds are expected to reach up to 340 km/h as they race along the 1500 meter long straight. Guests visiting Baku to observe this spectacular event will also be the eye-witnesses of this beautiful city.
E. D: How do you think, will this races cause to a significant rise in the numbers of the tourists expected to visit Baku?
N.A: The number of the tickets determined for the Formula 1 Grand Prix between 17 and 19 of June is 30 000. Currently, the tickets can be purchased from the official website of Baku City Circuit and as usual, in the leading shopping of the city. 65 per cent of the total tickets sold so far are purchased by foreigners.
In addition, according to the booking.com till now, 70 per cent of the local hotels in Baku are already full. Taking into the consideration these facts, we can say that, yes there will be noticed rise in the number of the tourist to visit Baku.
E. D: How will be the opening and closing ceremonies of the European Grand Prix?
N.A: For the first time, the Formula 1 Grand Prix will be held in 21 countries. This is the ultimate number in the history of the races. Races to be held in Baku will only be the number 8 among these races. That is why, it is not common to have spectacular opening and closing ceremonies as it is not in accordance with the traditions of the race. However, we are planning to have a 30 minutes musical ceremony to illustrate our cultural values to the world and we are going to have spectacular podium ceremony.
Moreover, during the race weekend we will have a Formula 1 city near the Baku Seaside Boulevard. In this village, we are planning to have several concerts, shows and ceremonies. All these mentioned will be charge-free for all those interested.
Nigar Arpadarai, head of the marketing and communications department at Baku Grand Prix. She is a senior communications professional with experience in PR and Corporate Communications in public and private sector, as well as an international organization.
Correspondent: Ayaz Mirzayev
