The Baku City Circuit is a driver's favourite, with its long straights and narrow street sections creating a unique and unpredictable race.
The circuit, which is often compared to a mix of Monaco and Monza, is one of the best tracks on the Formula 1 calendar for overtaking.
The circuit’s layout, with its mix of technical corners and high-speed straights, creates a number of opportunities for drivers to make a move.
This article will provide a rundown of the three best spots for an overtake and why they are so good.
The three key overtaking zones at Baku
These spots are a driver's favourite, and they are a major reason why the race is so exciting.
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The Long Main Straight
The 2.2km main straight is the most obvious and popular place for an overtake.
Drivers can get a huge slipstream from the car in front and use the DRS zone to make a move.
The long straight is a major reason why the race is so exciting, as it creates a number of opportunities for drivers to battle for position.
Turn 1
The long main straight leads into a sharp 90-degree corner, which is a perfect place for a last-minute dive.
The corner is wide, which allows for cars to run three abreast, and it has been the scene of many overtakes and dramatic moments.
The braking zone for Turn 1 is one of the biggest on the calendar, and it is a major opportunity for drivers to make a move.
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The Final Corner
The final corner before the long start/finish straight is another popular spot for an overtake.
Drivers can get a good run out of the corner and use the braking zone to make a move before the straight.
This corner is also a good place for a last-minute pass.
Why Baku is such a great overtaking circuit
The Baku City Circuit is a great circuit for overtaking for a number of reasons.
The circuit’s unique layout, with its mix of technical corners and high-speed straights, creates a number of opportunities for drivers to make a move.
The circuit is also notoriously difficult to master, with its narrow street sections and close proximity to the barriers, which often leads to mistakes from the drivers.
The circuit is also one of the most unpredictable on the calendar, with its high chance of a safety car or a virtual safety car.
The unpredictable nature of the circuit adds to the excitement and provides a number of opportunities for drivers to make a move.
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