FIA GT Series finale on Baku streets almost certain to be postponed

The Baku World Challenge event, originally scheduled for October 19/20, is set to be delayed until November 23/24 as a result of delays in constructing the 2.72-mile street circuit in the city.

Event promoter Renaud Jeanfils said: "It is normally going to be postponed, but we are waiting the final answer from the president's office.

"Our plans are for a fast street circuit and it has been decided that we need some chicanes.

"We want to do everything in the safest possible way and for this we need more time."

FIA GT boss Stephane Ratel added: "We had a request from the event promoter about the postponing the race and what the consequences would be for the competitors, TV and the travel.

"We have given our answers and now we are waiting from feedback from the event promoter."

A confirmation of the postponement is due before the end of the week.

The track, built in the vicinity of the Crystal Hall venue that hosted last year's Eurovision Song Contest, is all-new and distinct from the 1.3-mile circuit that hosted the non-championship Baku City Challenge event last October.

Ratel is aiming to take 30 cars to Baku. As well as a potential 24 entries from the FIA GT Series, he will be awarding invites to championship-winning teams from the Blancpain Endurance Series and British GTs.