Fernando Alonso says he is convinced the inaugural European Grand Prix to be held in Azerbaijan will offer 'drama and excitement' through its unique blend of high and low speed sections.

The city of Baku will host its first-ever F1 race - and indeed one of its first-ever major sporting events - this weekend with a striking 6km street venue that combines some of the fastest sections on the F1 calendar with some of the twistiest.

With the layout taking in several picturesque spots around the city, McLaren driver Alonso, is acting as ambassador for the inaugural race, believes it has what it takes to become a memorable fixture on the schedule.

"I'm already really looking forward to getting out on track for the first time in Baku on Friday," he said. "In my role as Baku Ambassador, I'm lucky enough to have already seen the plans in detail for the new circuit and watch the venue come together over the past few months. The track layout is a really impressive hybrid of the buzz of a street circuit, with its tight narrow streets and close racing, and a more traditional track, where there are high speeds and solid overtaking opportunities.

"This circuit is a great mix of both worlds, and as the fastest of any previous street track, I'm excited for the challenge and to see what's possible in these kinds of conditions, where everything is a little bit unknown.

"I've already driven the track on the simulator and there's certainly a lot that makes it unique - medieval walls close to the edge of the newly-laid asphalt, anti-clockwise corners, minimal run-off - so it seems to have all of the ingredients to give us a bit of drama and the prospect of exciting racing."