Russia set to host Formula One grand prix in 2014
Russia will host a Formula One race in 2014 in the city of Sochi after a deal was signed today.
Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone has been in Russia to discuss the proposal and has signed a six-year deal.
Ecclestone said: “I sincerely hope that Formula One is going to play a big part in what I can see happening in Sochi.”
Negotiations to host a race in Moscow were held previously, back in 2002, but collapsed due to financial reasons.
Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin said: “We have reached an agreement with the principal owner of Formula One that Sochi would host the Russian Grand Prix from 2014 to 2020.
“We need to make use of everything that we’re creating. Construction of the race track will give our athletes a training facility and attract the attention of young people,” Putin added.
Russia currently has a driver in the sport for the first time in Vitaly Petrov of Renault, but he is under pressure to retain his race seat for 2011, having only scored 19 points and unable to play a vital supporting role to Robert Kubica.
Sochi is based on the south west Black Sea coast of Russia and will be hosting the Winter Olympics 2014 as well.
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