Picture Credit: Formula 1
In a big update, the Russian Grand Prix is all set to move from Sochi to Autodrom Igora Drive in St Petersburg in 2023. Notably, Autodrom Igora Drive was designed by Hermann Tilke and will replace Sochi which has hosted F1 every year since it joined the calendar in 2014.
It is worth highlighting that the venue received a Grade 1 status by the IFA at the end of 2020, and will now become the second-ever Russian host of a Formula 1.
The new venue happens to be 54km away from St Petersburg and just 150km from Finland. It has ten different track layouts over an estimated 100 hectares.
I am impressed by St Petersburg, says F1 President
"I am pleased to confirm following joint intensive work with our Russian partners and detailed assessment of Igora Drive – Formula 1 will be racing at that amazing circuit from 2023," F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali was quoted as saying in an official release.
“I am impressed by St Petersburg and believe that the Russian Grand Prix at Igora Drive will be an incredible event,” he added.
The German Tour Car Series DTM was scheduled to race at the same venue on a 15-turn 4.086km anti-clockwise circuit but the event had to be called off owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, it has been stated that more details will be released in the coming months with this year’s Russian GP set to happen at Sochi on September 26.