Putin confirms Russian F1 deal

[John S]

Well if Putin has signed off the deal it's definite the 2014 Russian GP will go ahead.   
But with the extra races in India, USA, a possible return to France, the much hyphed Rome, and now Russia which other races will be dropped? I think The Turkish, Hungarian and possibly one of the Spanish races look favourites to disappear for my money.     

Russia has secured a deal to host a Formula One race in Sochi from 2014 after signing an agreement with Bernie Ecclestone. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with F1 supremo Ecclestone, who reportedly signed the deal with a Russian official on Thursday.

Russia has shown continued interest in hosting a grand prix since failing to reach an agreement for a race in Moscow eight years ago. A deal has now been finalised which sees the inaugural race at Sochi occur in the same year the Black Sea resort hosts the Winter Olympics.

"We have reached an agreement with the principal owner of Formula One that Sochi would host the Russian Grand Prix from 2014 to 2020," Putin said.

The initial contract is thought to be for six years, with the option to extend for another five.

Ecclestone added: "I sincerely hope that the Formula One is going to play a big part in what I can see happening in Sochi. I'm sure the circuit can be a super circuit. It's all the things we need and wanted, and we are very happy."

The race will add to the sport's expanding calendar, with a race in India scheduled for next year and a return to the USA confirmed for 2012.

The 2011 calendar will include 20 races and Ecclestone has recently stated that he would not be willing to increase the number of rounds, meaning existing events may come under threat in order to accommodate the new venues.

Planetf1.com, Today.

[Ian]

But I'll bet it's circuits that fans like that go John. 

[Dare]

The future of F1

Racing for night owls

[Jericoke]

If there was one guy in the world that could get the better of Bernie over a handshake, I bet it's Putin.

[lkjohnson1950]

Yeah, I see Turkey, the only Tilke drome worth a hoot, going away. Bernie also doesn't like Spa, or Brazil and the greenies have been trying to kill Monza for years. So take your pick.

Lonny

[Ian]

Criminal to get rid of any of the last 3 Lonny. 

[Williamsfan]

I agree, those 3 races are all brilliant and important races in the calendar. 

[cosworth151]

IMO there are six tracks on the current schedule that would not be missed:

Istanbul, Sakhir, Sepang, Shanghai, Valencia and Yas Marina. Poor racing, no history and little local support. We haven't seen a race there yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if Yeongam ends up here, too.

Circuits that F1 really needs to have:

Indianapolis, Interlagos, Monaco, Monza, Nurburgring, Silverstone, Spa and Suzuka. All of them have long histories in motorsports, great racing and cities that support them. The only reason I didn't put Singapore in this list is the lack of history there.

The rest fall somewhere in the middle.

[lkjohnson1950]

I think Bernie has proven he cares little for history, tradition or local support. His battle cry is and always has been "Show me the money!" Spa has had poor ticket sales and locals complaining about noise. Monza sells tickets, but the greenies are attacking it for noise and pollution. Indy is no go now that Tony is gone unless someone with really deep pockets forces the issue. On top of that Bernie is in love with sreet races. It looks like he's getting one in Rome and he still wants one in both Paris and New York. Sometimes I feel like he will take F1 completely down before he goes.

Lonny