Nico Rosberg "most dangerous" claim strongly disputed by the FIA

Nico Rosberg tutorial on Azerbaijan GP track — Photo: © LAT Images

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

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Rosberg "most dangerous" claim strongly disputed by the FIA

Rosberg claims Azerbaijan pit entry "scary"

Ian Parkes

Wednesday 9 June 2021 05:00

FIA race director Michael Masi has strongly rejected Nico Rosberg's claim that the pit entry for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is "the most dangerous" place on the F1 calendar.

Via his YouTube channel, Rosberg delivered an overview of the Baku City Circuit ahead of the race weekend, providing insight into mastering a track where he won during his title-winning year of 2016.

The entry is located on the left-hand side of the fastest straight in F1 where drivers reach speeds of 200mph before braking sharply into a left-right kink before taking to the pitlane.

In the video, Rosberg says: “I’m going to show you one of the places which I always found the most dangerous of the whole year, and it was quite scary.

"You’re arriving down here now at 350kph. Now, look what’s on the left [the pit entry]. Imagine something breaks on the car here. You’re at 350 kph.

"On the left, there’s just a wall, and it’s facing you, so if something breaks and you’re in that wall, it’s the end and there’s no more you.

“So this is one of the most scary places that I’ve ever driven an F1 car in. To go by there just feels ridiculously wrong. But anyways you have to try and blend it out and keep it going."

When asked about Rosberg's remarks, Masi was naturally opposed, citing the fact the track is in line with all safety requirements.

“No, I disagree with that comment,” said Masi.

“The pit entry and the entire circuit has been designed and homologated by the FIA as a grade one circuit, and fulfils all of the various safety requirements that the FIA has within its regulations and guidelines, so no, I disagree.”

For Rosberg's full video, see below -