Baku City Circuit announced on Wednesday that two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso will become the official ambassador for the 2016 Grand Prix of Europe.
The McLaren-Honda driver counts as one of the most successful and popular drivers, and to his name Alonso has two world titles, 32 Grand Prix victories and 97 podium finishes. He is one of only a few select drivers to have won a European Grand Prix, securing first place on three previous occasions.
The Spaniard will become the first F1 driver to visit Baku when he visits the city next week, he will observe the progress being made on the city’s streets as the Circuit nears completion. He will spend time in Baku engaging with both local and international media and in particular the many volunteers and marshals who are currently undergoing training ahead of F1’s arrival in Azerbaijan.
Alonso is thrilled to become an ambassador for the Grand Prix of Europe, he believes he is a good fit to help promote the race’s return to the F1 calendar having won three European Grand Prix in his career.
“I am thrilled be chosen as an ambassador for the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe,” said Alonso. “It is a real honour to be the first F1 driver to visit Baku and inspect the new circuit facilities. I have heard and read many great things about the city and am immensely looking forward to seeing it for myself very soon.
“Having won three European Grand Prix in my career, it seems a good fit for me to help promote the race’s return to the F1 calendar in this wonderful new location. In fact, the manner in which I won the last edition of the European Grand Prix in Valencia ensured that I would be forever emotionally linked to this particular race.
“From a technical point of view, I’m sure myself and my colleagues will love racing here in Baku, given that a street circuit is always an exhilarating challenge for any driver and from what I have already learned about this circuit, it seems clear that this one will be no exception.”
