Whiting: F1 drivers will love the Sochi circuit

The race director, Charlie Whiting, believes that the Sochi circuit will allow the drivers to showcase their own driving style.

The person who holds the positions of FIA safety delegate, starter, head of the technical department, and therefore race director is in charge of overseeing the preparations for the Russian Grand Prix. As a reminder, this event will take place on October 12th, at the site that hosted the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The Briton expressed his admiration for how quickly the circuit was built: “It is a high-quality track, it’s clear that everything has been well executed. It will be a fast track, and I think it will even be a competitive one. There will be two or three places on this circuit where drivers can overtake. I think it will be a very spectacular race on a very interesting track,” said Whiting.

« The track is better since the last time. When I was there, it was a big construction site, a year ago. Now it’s been a year and today it’s a beautiful track. The track itself is going to be very fast and the drivers are going to love it, I’m sure of it. » he continues.

When asked which part of the circuit he likes the most, on paper, he replies: « A bit difficult to say for now, but I’m thinking of turns 4 to 10: they seem to be fast turns and I think it will be very interesting to watch. There won’t be many overtakes in these turns, but I think you’ll see overtakes in turns 2, 13, and maybe 17. »

He concludes positively on the track’s safety standards and eagerly awaits the inaugural race: « We are pleased with the safety aspect here. It is a first-class circuit, I can’t describe it better than that. We have conducted extensive simulations on the track and its layout itself regarding clearances and the shock absorption capacity of the barriers. Everything has been well simulated and we are confident. This circuit is top-notch and I am convinced it will be a spectacular race, I really can’t wait to be there. »