Formula One has announced that the Russian Grand Prix will move from Sochi to St Petersburg from 2023.
The Autodrom Igora Drive, which has been designed by Hermann Tilke, will replace Sochi – which has hosted Formula One each year since it joined the calendar in 2014 on the site where it staged the Winter Olympics in the same year.
The venue, situated 33 miles outside of St Petersburg, was given Grade 1 status by the FIA at the end of 2020, clearing it to become the second ever Russian host of a Formula One Grand Prix.
“We are looking forward to racing in a hugely exciting location that includes 10 professional tracks for racing and testing over approximately 100 hectares,” Formula One said in a statement.
“We will be providing more details on the race in the coming months and we are looking forward to racing in Sochi for the next two years.
The Sochi Autodrom will stage the next two editions of the Russian Grand Prix, including the upcoming edition of the race pencilled for September, after the former Chief, Bernie Ecclestone, came to a deal with Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to hold the race until 2025.
“I am pleased to confirm following joint intensive work with our Russian partners and detailed assessment of Igora Drive – Formula One will be racing at that amazing circuit from 2023,” explained F1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali.
“I am impressed by St Petersburg and believe that the Russian Grand Prix at Igora Drive will be an incredible event.”
