Formula 2, Baku preview: all you need to know about the expanded weekend

The FIA Formula 2 championship returns to the streets of Azerbaijan for Round 12, and this visit brings a significant twist to the traditional schedule. In a departure from the norm, drivers will face an intensified weekend featuring two Qualifying sessions and two Feature Races, alongside a Sprint Race, offering a massive influx of championship points.

Schedule Breakdown: A Compressed Battle

• Friday Morning: The Sprint Race kicks off at 08:15, with the grid determined by the first Qualifying session.
• Friday Afternoon: The first Feature Race begins at 14:15, also utilizing the first Qualifying results.
• Saturday Morning: The final session of the weekend, the second Feature Race, starts at 11:00, with the grid set by the second Qualifying session.

As Formula 2 heads to Baku for Round 12 with a new 67-point format, optimizing setups for back-to-back qualifying sessions will be the difference between success and failure.

Technical Challenges: Speed and Precision

Baku presents a unique paradox: it is a tight street circuit that demands immense high-speed stability. The run from Turn 16 to Turn 1 stands as the longest 'straight' on the calendar, with speeds reaching approximately 330km/h.

DAMS' Dino Beganovic highlighted the technical difficulty, noting: “It’s a very cool track because it’s a street track... You run with low downforce, which makes things very tricky in certain sections, but the very long straights bring a lot of opportunities to overtake.” He further identified the castle section as the track's most demanding element due to its extreme tightness.

Tyre Strategy and Traction Management

Pirelli has provided the Soft and Supersoft compounds for the weekend. The Supersoft is expected to be the primary choice for the opening stint of the Feature Races, with most drivers likely switching to the Soft tyre around lap six.

Because the track surface is relatively smooth, tyre degradation may not be as extreme as at other venues; however, traction management will be critical. The high speeds and heavy braking zones will put significant stress on the rear axle. Furthermore, teams must remain vigilant regarding the high probability of safety car interventions, a recurring theme in Baku that can instantly disrupt even the most calculated strategies.