Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe kicked off in Baku at 17:00 (UTC/GMT +4 hours) June 19.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva, Formula One Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone and President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Jean Todt are watching the race.

Before the start of the F1 Grand Prix of Europe, Azerbaijan’s national anthem was performed by 40 young people from the Azerbaijan State Children Philharmonic.

Azerbaijan is hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe for the first time. The event started on June 17 and will end today, on June 19.

The specially constructed street circuit will see F1 cars race around the stunning downtown area of Baku, incorporating its UNESCO-protected old city – Icheri Sheher historical-architectural reserve – as well as its modern skyline and beautiful Caspian Sea promenade.