Russia doesn't want to be moved on new F1 calendar: "Fans already have tickets"

4 May 2020 at 18:10

GPblog.com

Due to the coronavirus ten Grands Prix have been postponed or cancelled and therefore Formula 1 now has to work hard on a revised calendar for the remaining part of 2020. In any case, the Russian GP has indicated on Monday that they are not waiting to receive Formula 1 on a different date than initially planned.

The Grand Prix weekend at the Sochi Autodrom is planned from 24-27 September and the promoters have a strong preference for not moving. "We are going ahead with preparations for the Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix, scheduled for 24-27 September,", a spokesperson for promoter ROSGONKI informs MotorsportWeek.com. The organization also explains what their position is based on. "Because a large number of fans have already purchased tickets, and the end of September is a great time for the race".

If Liberty Media deems a new weekend necessary, they're willing to 'look at alternatives'. For the time being, however, FOM has not yet submitted such a request to the Russian organisation. Also a request for several races at the Sochi Autodrom has not yet been submitted. "We're ready to hold several races, provided that we are informed of a need for this in advance”.

Preparations continue to run in Russia

For the time being, a cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix is not yet on the agenda, despite a sharp increase in confirmed corona cases among the population. President Vladimir Putin has therefore also recently decided to extend the current measures in the country. "Even under quarantine, there are some stages of the event organisation that can be completed without leaving home, so by September we will be ready for the race.”