Russian GP To Move To St Petersburg From 2023

Formula 1 announced this morning that the Russian Grand Prix would be moving from Sochi to the St Petersburg's Igora Drive circuit from 2023.

This move is though to have come due to Liberty Media's, F1's commercial rights holder, want to include more destination cities on the calendar. The new circuit was finished in 2019 and it was designed by well known circuit architect Hermann Tilke. It is located about 30 miles outside the historic city of St Petersburg and it was given its FIA Grade 1 license at the end of 2020. The track has over 10 different layouts, with the F1 layout being unconfirmed thus far. F1 have said they will be releasing more information about the new location in the coming months.

The track has hosted a variety of races so far, including the Russian Circuit Racing Series. DTM, W Series, and the FIA World Rallycross were meant to be hosted there in 2020, however they were cancelled due to COVID. Here, a 15-turn, 4.086km layout was meant to be used.

F1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali commented:

"This was the result of intensive work with our Russian partners and a detailed study of this delightful track.... I am impressed with St Petersburg and I am confident that the Russian Grand Prix at Igora Drive will be an amazing event.”

F1 commented on the new location, saying:

"We are looking forward to racing in a hugely exciting location that includes 10 professional tracks for racing and testing over approximately 100 hectares,”

Sochi has never been a fan favourite track, however the race will continue to be held there for the next two years. This year's Russian GP is set for the weekend of the 24-26th September.