Tilke denies Baku danger claims

Formula One track designer Herman Tilke has been forced to deny claims that the Baku City Circuit which will host this weekend's European Grand Prix is dangerous.

With tight sections and long straights which will see speeds potentially exceed those of Monza, the track widely regarded as the fastest on the F1 calendar, onlookers have said that the consequences could be severe.

However, Tilke has rubbished the claims, saying that the tight corners and lack of run off are "up to the FIA", and everything has been done to make the track as safe as possible

"The corners are fast but very smooth with soft walls, the same technology as is used on the American ovals," he said.

"They sent their delegate (Charlie Whiting) here and worked hard to make it safe."