Russian Sochi track may become new MotoGP venue – MotoGP news
Administrators of the Sochi track which is currently under construction seem determined to host a MotoGP round in Russia at some point in time.
In 2014, Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix will be the first major autosports event to be held at Sochi, following its completion. To start with, a seven-year deal has been finalised between Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), governing body of F1,
and Russia to host the Formula 1 event.
According to various press reports, the construction of the track is going very smoothly and the race control complex is in its final stages of completion. Track chief and CEO of Formula Sochi, Alexander Bogdanov said that it will not be fair with the track
to have only car racing. Bogdanov hopes that other forms of autosports should be hosted as well.
“We are working through the possibility of hosting motorcycle racing at the highest level: Moto GP, World Superbike, and others,” Bogdanov said.
“The construction of the racing track in Sochi is going into high gear. The 5854 m long circuit is one of the longest in the Formula 1 world championship. The autodrome will also host different racing series such as [the] FIA GT World Series, FIA WEC, WTCC,
Formula 3, and Russian national championships,” CEO Formula Sochi further added while highlighting the details of the construction work going on at the track.
F1 and MotoGP being two distinct autosports, have their own set of conditions that a track must meet in order for it to host either event. The Sochi track is primarily built to host F1 events, but according to Hermann Tilke, a track architect responsible
for building Sochi, the venue fit to hold both F1 and MotoGP.
“There is no doubt that the circuit will be meeting all the requirements for Formula 1 and maybe also for the Moto GP,” Tilke explained.
In an effort to facilitate the completion of the Sochi track, the Russian government has announced its full support for the venture and has allocated 5.846 billion roubles ($195.4 million).
Dorna Sports, governing body of MotoGP should also take steps to see if it is feasible to hold a MotoGP event in Russia since the addition of a new venue in the MotoGP schedule would draw fans to motorcycle racing.
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