Bernie Ecclestone believes in Russia

Vladimir Putin, the Russian Prime Minister, signed an agreement yesterday with Bernie Ecclestone for the introduction of a Russian Grand Prix, which will be included in the calendar of the F1 from 2014 to 2020. The circuit will be built in Sochi, the city which will host the Olympic Games in 2014. After several unfinished projects, Moscow managed to reach the gates of F1.

Bernie Ecclestone had already approached the Russian market in 2002. An agreement was about to be signed but the two parties had fallen into disagreement over financial issues. The F1 big moneyman hopes that this agreement will result in a superb race, the first of which will be contested in the same year as the Olympic Games.

« I really hope that F1 will play a big role in what happens in Sochi. I am sure it will be a splendid circuit », Commented Bernie Ecclestone after signing the agreement. “ This is all we want, and we are really happy with this contract. They are building a premier venue that will host the Olympics and F1. »

With 20 Grands Prix per season, the chances of seeing a French GP again are dwindling a little further. The world of F1 is looking to emerging markets. India, also included in the program, once again demonstrates F1's interest in Asia.