F1: Sochi Open to Hosting a Double Header Event
The organisers of the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi Autodrom have said they are open to hosting a double header in 2020 to help bolster the 2020 calendar.
F1 owners Liberty Media are currently working on finalising the 2nd half of the 2020 calendar, which will consist of mostly fly-away races. However it is understood that F1 could return to European venues if any fly-away races have to be cancelled.
At the moment, it is almost certain that the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan will be cancelled. Azerbaijan is a street race in the capital of Baku, likewise is Singapore. However races at Gemany’s Hockenheimring and Italy’s Imola and Mugello circuits are also suggested to act as possible replacements. If so, it would see the first Formula 1 race at Mugello.
Sochi’s Winter Olympic park venue is ideal to host a double header event, due to its location, distance to an airport, and its easy ability to isolate F1 personnel from the rest of the world.
However, if Russia is announced to hold 2 races, there may be backlash from the F1 community, as it is a commonly shared opinion that the Sochi Autodrom is not an ideal circuit for good racing. The only ‘exciting’ race to have been held since the events inception in 2014 is the 2015 rain effected race.
A statement from Russian Grand Prix promoter Rosgonki said:
"Currently, we are working with colleagues from Formula 1 on various options for holding the Russian Grand Prix. This applies to both the format of the weekend and the number of races.
"If necessary, we do not exclude the possibility of holding two rounds. Sochi has an excellent modern infrastructure that our partners appreciate. In terms of organisation, the Rosgonki team is ready for several racing weekends in Sochi.
"The final format of the race will be determined after additional consultations with experts and analysis of the current situation with coronavirus."
