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World champions Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso say there are no safety concerns from the drivers ahead of the inaugural European Grand Prix in Azerbaijan.
Before a single lap has been competed F1's newest track has faced criticism for it's tight, fast nature as well as it's lack of run off and high-speed pit entry.
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"In terms of safety standards, I think they’ve done everything they could," said Vettel. "I’m a lot happier to have the wall that close to the track rather than have a run-off and then some tyres or something waiting for you."
"Plus there’s a SAFER wall which is working well, also in tracks like Brazil. I think in that regard should be fine," added the Ferrari driver. "And the whole bit leading around the old part of the city looks quite spectacular. Hopefully it feels like that as well."
In the FIA Press conference on Thursday, Vettel appeared frustrated with comments regarding the circuit, in particular the pit entry and lack of runoff insisting that there is nothing wrong and he was relishing the challenge.
"I don’t understand why this has been the second type of question of the same nature. I walked the track and I was looking on the track, not so much on the runoff," he said. "I think it looks exciting. I’m thrilled to get in the car tomorrow and excited to get out and get a feel. Pit entry looks a challenge – but then again I think that’s why we’re here."
Fernando Alonso echoed Vettel's sentiments, saying that the pit entry is no different to that used in Brazil a few years ago and there was no problems there.
"In terms of safety I think the FIA ran many simulations in terms of how to make the run-off area safe enough," said the McLaren driver. "Obviously some of them are more than enough, some of them, maybe they look small but it’s always better than Monaco, for example. It cannot be any worse than that."
Alonso backs FIA amidst human rights row
Fernando Alonso has dismissed criticism of the decision to host an F1 race in Azerbaijan in light of their questionable human rights record.
The sport faced a wave of disapproval for it's decision to race in the country, but Fernando Alonso believes the FIA have made the right decisions.
"Well, I think we completely rely on the FIA in terms of the places and the venues we race," he said. "On that aspect – at least in my case – I think we never think any further than that."
"I totally put all my trust and my confidence on the federation and on the decisions that they make. If we are racing here it’s because everything was good for them and so it’s good for us," he continued. "We are promoting the sport around the world and we are promoting the values of the sport around the world and that will always be welcome in any country."
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
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