Vettel, first F1 driver to drive on the Sochi track
Russia will host its first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix on October 12, and while the circuit has recently been successfully inspected by the FIA, Sebastian Vettel had the opportunity to cover a few laps in an Infiniti and expressed satisfaction with the track layout.
Following the Belgian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel traveled to Russia for a promotional event for Infiniti, the title sponsor of the Red Bull Racing team. The German driver visited the seaside city of Sochi, where he got a preview of the circuit laid out in the Olympic village of the 2014 Winter Games.
The reigning four-time world champion was able to complete several fast laps in an Infiniti Q50, thus becoming the first F1 driver to drive the Sochi Autodrome, just over a month before the inaugural Russian Grand Prix in the history of Formula 1.
At the end of his run on the 18-turn circuit designed by Hermann Tilke, Vettel expressed satisfaction with the track’s characteristics: “It’s nice to be back in Sochi and the place has transformed since the last time I came when it was a construction site. Having driven the entire circuit for the first time with the Infiniti Q50 today, it’s an interesting track with a good mix of fast corners and technical sections. It will definitely be a challenge in a Formula 1 car, and I’m looking forward to coming back in October.”
Sergey Vorobyev, the race promoter, was delighted to see the German driver come to test the Russian track in advance: « Today’s event is an important moment for Russia’s imminent entry into Formula 1. Having Sebastian Vettel as the first F1 driver to complete a lap of the circuit is a perfect introduction to these brand-new, world-class facilities, and we look forward to hosting the inaugural Russian Grand Prix here in October. »
