GreenBkk Formula 1 | Russia: No gimmicks to our Tilke track

Russia: No gimmicks to our Tilke track

Local officials are adamant that Russia's inaugural F1 grand prix will be 'gimmick-free' and that the track will be designed for overtaking.

Russia is set to join the Formula One calendar in 2014 having signing a deal with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

The Sochi circuit will play host to the grand prix with the city's mayor Anatoly Pakhomov confident the venue will be ready ahead of that year's Winter Olympics.

"Of course there are some more specific features that will need to be added upon the completion of the Olympic Games such as run-off areas, catch fencing etc," he told Reuters.

"But we foresee the base requirements of the track being completed approximately one year prior to the first race being held."

There are some concerns that the race could be delayed by a year due to the Olympics, however, Pakhomov firmly believes Russia will host its first grand prix in 2014.

"There is every intention to ensure that the F1 race will go ahead as planned in 2014," said Pakhomov.

"The specific requirements of managing the two events together is being studied carefully at present as the committee working to oversee the successful implementation of the Olympics becomes fully integrated with the committee being set up to orchestrate the F1 race which is still in its formative stage.

"However, I don't foresee any slippage of the race into 2015 being necessary."

He added: "The (grand prix) project has been very closely costed and government at all levels are investing just under $200m in building the track facilities."

Meanwhile, Andrey Kraynik, a senior executive of Olympic and grand prix sponsor MegaFon, revealed that the track, which will be located near the Olympic Park, will be designed by Hermann Tilke.

"When we first invited Tilke down to see Sochi in 2009 we stressed the importance of ensuring the track design got the balance right," he said.

"The track will be a classic track with an emphasis on good overtaking opportunities, no gimmicks. It will have a mix of high speed corners, long straights and hairpins.

"On the one hand you will have the mountains as a backdrop and a city street-track feel at the same time. It will come to be loved by the fans like Montreal, and be challenging for the drivers like Monaco."

Credit: PlanetF1.com (www.planetf1.com)