FIA Clears Russia’s Sochi Autodrom to Host First F1 GP

The FIA has cleared Russia’s new Sochi Autodrom to host its first Grand Prix later this year after a detailed evaluation.

The evaluation, led by race director Charlie Whiting, looked at the circuit and the venue itself, built on the site of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

“The circuit is in extremely good condition and will be issued with a licence,” he said in a Sochi news release. 

“Everything has been done according to the plans – the kerbs are very good, the verges, the guardrails, the walls – everything is in an extremely good condition. Everything has been done to the highest standards and I’m extremely pleased. 

“I can say without hesitation that the circuit is ready 60 days in advance, which is very rare really.”

Whiting said that it is now unlikely he will need to make a final inspection closer to the date of the inaugural 2014 Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix, which will take place on October 10-12.

“I don’t know at the moment, but it should not be necessary,” he explained. “What I’ve seen today gives me complete comfort that the circuit will be entirely ready when I come back for the Grand Prix.”

Promoter Sergey Vorobyev added: “We were ready for Mr. Whiting’s visit and we want to congratulate our builders who have made this positive verdict happen. We were confident that FIA would appreciate the efforts made by our team to implement the technical details that have been so highly reviewed by Mr. Whiting today.

“Now that Sochi Autodrom has received a licence, everything else is up to the organisers of the events and as such we are working intensely on ensuring that all aspects of the event are fully prepared. It is our aim to make this a truly unforgettable event with the comfort and enjoyment of our guests at the forefront of all our efforts.”

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