Sochi Autodrom officially opened in Russia

The Sochi Autodrom, venue for next month's inaugural 2014 Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix, was officially opened on Saturday, with a host of leading Russian government and motorsport figures in in attendance.

A spectacular demonstration of racing machinery was the main event, with Vitaly Petrov - the first Russian to compete in Formula One racing - joined by 2013 German Formula Three runner-up Artem Markelov and a number of other stars from the Russian racing world.

Russian Premier Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Dmitry Kozak, deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, also visited the new 5.853-kilometre circuit, which will stage the 16th round of the 2014 FIA Formula One World Championship on October 10-12.

"I am glad to report that the first ever Formula One race track in Russia has now officially opened and very soon our country will host the inaugural 2014 Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix at this amazing venue," said race promoter Sergey Vorobyev.

"I would like to take this opportunity to invite all guests to enjoy the incredible atmosphere of a Formula One race weekend and more importantly to come and support our own Russian F1 driver: Daniil Kvyat, in whose honour we have renamed the T4 tribune. So, please come to support this talented young driver and spend an excellent autumn weekend with us - F1 style!"

The opening of the Sochi Autodrom - which features 18 corners and winds through the Sochi Olympic park - formed part of the XIII International Investment Forum 'Sochi - 2014'.