An alternation between Igora Drive and Sochi would not be ruled out for the Russian GP
The promoter of the Russian Grand Prix admits that the idea of alternating between Sochi and Igora Drive for the organization of the event is not completely ruled out. The track that will succeed the Sochi Autodrom will undergo modifications before its big debut in 2023.
Last week, Formula 1 announced that the Russian Grand Prix would no longer be held at the Sochi site starting from the 2023 season. The cars will head to Saint Petersburg and the Igora Drive circuit.
Yesterday, the CEO of Rosgonki (promoter of the event under contract with F1 until 2025), Alexey Titov, commented on the fate of the Sochi circuit. The Russian assures that the track located in the Olympic Park will continue to exist because, after all, it is not only a legacy of motor sports and the first track to host Formula 1 in Russia, but it is also a part of the Olympic heritage of the Russian Federation and that everything will be fine for the circuit.
We will only develop it further, and if we talk about the sporting perspectives, they remain unchanged. Because with Formula 1, the license will not leave the circuit. The Sochi Autodrom will retain its Grade 1 category. Therefore, the circuit will be ready to host any competition in the future.
« But from a commercial standpoint, here, of course, we have free hands, because all the restrictions that were previously associated with Formula 1 and its presence on the track are now lifted. We can approach the use of a very large part of the circuit more flexibly, with a completely different format. This makes us happy, as it also allows the circuit to evolve in the first place. »
Maintaining FIA Grade 1 status would allow them to organize an F1 race in the future. When questioned by our colleagues at Motorsport.com about the possibility of alternating with Igora Drive, Titov believes that this idea has not been completely ruled out.
« The idea of alternating races has not yet been completely dismissed. I would not say that the discussion on this topic exists as an active subject, but it is not yet completely closed.
« We are still focused on developing a detailed plan for the St. Petersburg race. That is the priority now. The next question is how the event will evolve. The contract ends in 2025. Sooner or later, discussions should start to determine whether we will extend it or not. Of course, as part of these negotiations, there will also be discussions on the subject of conditions, format, and so on. But these are discussions for the future. »
Changes to be expected
The CEO of Rosgonki also admitted that the track will undergo modifications before its grand opening. Built in 2019, the circuit hosted national races, a round of the DTM and W Series. The layout has not hosted any other races due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but is part of the MotoGP reserve circuits for this year.
In order to welcome the F1 in two years, the Russian circuit will undergo an expansion. The track will be extended by one kilometer, with longer straight lines and a fast final loop including changes in altitude. Alexey Titov stated that the changes the circuit will undergo should create an exciting show.
« It is planned for the track to be lengthened. In the current configuration, it is closer to the bottom of the list in terms of length if we compare it with other Formula 1 calendar tracks. »
« Therefore, it must be lengthened. A bit more elevation will be added, some turns will become banked, so from a sporting point of view, it will be an exciting spectacle, he admitted.
The event promoters unveiled a map showing the completed circuit. The track will measure 5.18 kilometers and the final sector of the layout will consist of several left-hand corners with uphill and downhill slopes of up to 12%. In addition to work on the track, new garages will be built for the F1 teams, without modifying the existing facilities.
« In terms of size, the facility is not very different from European tracks when it comes to the main infrastructure, such as the main grandstand, the pit building, etc. »
« Therefore, there will certainly be no restructuring, but we will extend or expand a number of areas. »
(EN) There really aren’t enough garages, so we will increase their number. But this is resolved by temporary structures and careful aesthetic extensions of the building, said Alexey Tutov.
