Baku residents complain about inconvenience because of "Formula 1" races

Many residents of the capital of Azerbaijan are dissatisfied with the inconvenience which arises in connection with the "Formula 1" races. The Azerbaijani authorities announce the importance of the races for the prestige of the country and attraction of foreign tourists. The critics of the government question the advisability of the event.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 17-19, Baku will host for the first time a round of the World Championship in auto racing in the "Formula 1" class. According to Azad Raghimov, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports of Azerbaijan, the expenses for holding races will amount to no more than 100 million manats (66 million US dollars).

The races will take place on a ring route of 6 kilometres along the central streets of Baku. On June 14-20, in connection with the races, the traffic of vehicles on the race route and adjacent streets is stopped.

Residents of Baku are indignant about the blocking of Primorsky Boulevard. Some people feel unhappy, since they have to change their usual way because of numerous obstacles. However, there are a lot of people in particular, personnel of cafes and shops with souvenirs who are happy with the races being held in Baku.

According to the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports of Azerbaijan, in the first year, the cost of the race will not be recovered; however, the economic effect will be provided in the future by attraction of tourists.

Meanwhile, Natiq Djafarli, the executive secretary of the movement "Republican Alternative", believes that the money could be spent more usefully for the country.

According to Natiq Djafarli, the holding of the races in Baku will be beneficial for the international company "Formula One Management", engaged in management of the races, Baku luxury hotels, as well as construction and service companies, engaged in contracts for the organization of the races.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.