Masi encouraged by potential at new Russian GP venue

Formula 1 Race Director Michael Masi reckons impending new Russian Grand Prix venue Igora Drive has greater potential than the current track map suggests.

Formula 1’s Russian Grand Prix has been held since 2014 at Sochi Autodrom, adjacent to the Black Sea, in the resort of Adler.

The next two editions of Russia’s round will take place at Sochi but from 2023 the event is due to be relocated to Igora Drive.

The circuit, which only opened in 2019, is located on the outskirts of St. Petersburg.

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It has yet to host an international racing series but was due to welcome DTM last year until the pandemic forced its cancellation.

An extension in the final sector is being constructed in order to lengthen the circuit, which is currently just shy of 4.1km.

“There’s a number of changes that have been worked through, together with the circuit,” explained Masi.

“They’re already doing an extension on there, a longer extension, which is well advanced.

“One thing that probably isn’t appreciated is the topography, it is amazing, and something you don’t appreciate from seeing on a drawing.”

Masi outlined that a few other residual changes are required, in order for Formula 1 and potentially MotoGP – which placed Igora Drive on a potential list of 2021 reserve events – to visit.

“We’re working together with our friends at the FIM and the circuit themselves to implement a few changes,” he said. “They’re extending the number of [pit] garages.

“There’s a couple of changes, there’s some run-off areas that need changing, some kerbs, things like that, but nothing unusual, let’s call it, from what we would have seen going to a pre-event inspection for a new facility.”