Exclusive Interview: Monaco Grand Prix Promoters Visit Baku for the First Time

Exclusive Interview: Monaco Grand Prix Promoters Visit Baku for the First Time Exclusive Interview: Monaco Grand Prix Promoters Visit Baku for the First Time https://innews.media/en/news/id-35815

For the first time, the organizers of the Monaco Grand Prix visited Baku during the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix week. Richard Micoud, Communications and Media Manager for the Monaco Grand Prix, shared his thoughts with oxu.az.

When Baku made its Formula 1 debut, there were only two street races on the calendar: Monaco and Singapore. Now, the number of such races is approaching 10. What do you think is driving this trend?

Richard Micoud:
Street races offer a unique experience for both spectators and TV viewers. Unlike traditional F1 races, they bring the excitement right into the heart of the city. It’s like drivers are gladiators battling on the streets as their arena. The close proximity of the action creates a strong emotional and visual connection with fans. In Baku and Monaco, spectators are right next to the track, making the competition feel more intense. Cities want to bring the thrill of Formula 1 to their streets, and that’s why we’re seeing an increase in street races on the calendar.

Every year, there are discussions about removing street races from the Formula 1 calendar, yet Monaco retains its spot. What should street races do to continuously attract fans?

Richard Micoud:
Monaco holds a unique place in Formula 1 history. It’s not just a race; it’s part of a sporting heritage that has been ongoing since 1929. The challenge for street races is to offer a distinctive experience. In Monaco, we have iconic corners like Sainte Dévote, Casino, and Mirabeau, which hold deep meaning for motorsport fans. To attract fans, it’s crucial to maintain that sense of history and excitement. For new street races like Baku, creating memorable moments with thrilling overtakes or unexpected events is key. Baku excels at this, especially with its high-speed straights and notable corners like Turn 8!

Since Baku's debut, standards for new circuits have shifted, and many now look to Baku as a model. What stands out about the Baku City Circuit for you

Richard Micoud:
What impresses me most about Baku is its scale and grandeur. Monaco is a small city—just 2.2 square kilometers—so we operate in a very confined space. In contrast, Baku is much larger, with a 6 km circuit compared to Monaco’s 3.3 km. The long straights, especially the section leading to the finish line, are unique and allow for incredibly exciting high-speed racing. Another highlight is how the organization in Baku has evolved year after year. It’s clear that a lot of work has gone into enhancing the experience for both drivers and fans. This ongoing development is what makes the Baku City Circuit so compelling.

This year, Monaco hosted its 70th Grand Prix, and local driver Charles Leclerc secured the victory. Will there be a corner named after him in Monaco?

Richard Micoud (laughs):
You know, Charles is an incredible ambassador for Monaco and Formula 1. He definitely created memorable moments in Baku, especially at Turn 8! Naming a corner after Charles? It’s still early to discuss, but given his talent and connection with Monaco, I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens. As for Baku’s Turn 8, it’s clear that Charles holds a special place in its history!

What are the similarities and differences between the Baku and Monaco races for you?

Richard Micoud:
There are many similarities. Both are street races, so we implement similar measures for safety, road closures, and temporary infrastructure. Building the Monaco track takes seven weeks, which is a significant logistical operation. From what I’ve observed, Baku also undergoes substantial changes to prepare for the race. The main difference is the scale: Monaco is compact, while Baku is much larger, creating a different racing environment.