| Blancpain Sprint Series | |
|---|---|
| First race | 2012 |
| Last race | 2014 |
| Laps | ca. 30 |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Previous names | City Challenge Baku (2012) Baku World Challenge (2013–2014) |
| Most wins (driver) |  Laurens Vanthoor (2) |
| Most wins (team) | Belgian Audi Club Team WRT (2) |
| Most wins (manufacturer) |  Audi (2) |
TheBaku World Challenge was an internationalmotorsport competition inBaku,Azerbaijan, held on a temporarystreet circuit on closed public roads.
 Original Circuit (2012) | |
| Location | Baku, Azerbaijan |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°23′43″N49°52′56″E / 40.39528°N 49.88222°E /40.39528; 49.88222 |
| Broke ground | October 12, 2012; 13 years ago (2012-10-12) |
| Opened | October 25, 2012; 13 years ago (2012-10-25) |
| Closed | November 2, 2014; 11 years ago (2014-11-02) |
| Former names | City Challenge Baku (2012) |
| Major events | Blancpain Sprint Series (2013–2014) |
| Street Circuit (2014) | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 3.890 km (2.417 mi) |
| Turns | 13 |
| Race lap record | 1:29.488 (Laurens Vanthoor,Audi R8 LMS ultra,2014,GT3) |
| Street Circuit (2013) | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 4.380 km (2.722 mi) |
| Turns | 13 |
| Race lap record | 1:42.583 (René Rast,Audi R8 LMS ultra,2013,GT3) |
| Original Circuit (2012) | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 2.144 km (1.332 mi) |
| Turns | 14 |
| Race lap record | 1:03.939 ( Sean Edwards,Porsche 911 GT3 R, 2012,GT3) |
In 2012 (October 28), theCity Challenge GmbH organized a stand-alone event forGT3-spec cars in Baku. It was calledCity Challenge Baku. The races were held on a 2.144 km (1.332 mi) street circuit around theGovernment House.[1][2]Gymkhana drifters and entertainment activities were the supporting program. According to the promoter, the event had 42,000 visitors.[3]
In 2013, the finale of theFIA GT Championship was held in Baku asBaku World Challenge. The series used a new street circuit close to theBaku Crystal Hall and theNational Flag Square. It had a length of 4.380 km (2.722 mi). The event was organized by Jean-François Chaumont and the formerFormula 1 driverThierry Boutsen.[1][2]
In 2014, the last race of theBlancpain Sprint Series was held in Baku asBaku World Challenge.[4] The series used a new shortened circuit close to theBaku Crystal Hall and theNational Flag Square. The circuit was shortened to 3.890 km (2.417 mi).[2] The event was closed following the announcement thatFormula One would hold a street race in Baku from2016.
The fastest official race lap records at the Baku World Challenge are listed as:
| Category | Time | Driver | Vehicle | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street Circuit: 3.890 km (2014)[2] | ||||
| GT3 | 1:29.488[5] | Laurens Vanthoor[6] | Audi R8 LMS ultra | 2014 Baku World Challenge |
| Street Circuit: 4.380 km (2013)[2] | ||||
| GT3 | 1:42.583[7] | René Rast | Audi R8 LMS ultra | 2013 Baku World Challenge |
| Original Circuit: 2.144 km (2012)[2] | ||||
| GT3 | 1:03.939[8] | Sean Edwards | Porsche 911 (997 II) GT3 R | 2012 City Challenge Baku |
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