Grid girl. Formula One World Championship, Rd16, Russian Grand Prix, Race, Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Krasnodar Krai, Russia, Sunday, 12 October 2014. © Sutton Images
Four years of construction and preparation alongside the Sochi 2014 Olympic project preceded the October race. One of the most complicated challenges was an adjustment of construction schedules of the Olympic facilities and the integration of the brand new circuit into the Olympic Park infrastructure.
“I wish to thank the team of constructors, consultants, organisers, volunteers and, certainly, spectators for creating a big sporting holiday with unforgettable atmosphere,” commented race promoter Sergey Vorobyev.
“Thank you everyone who believed in us and, firstly, to the Government of the Russian Federation and the Krasnodar region administration whose support made it possible to hold the race in Russia.”
According to organisers, over 166,000 people attended the race, which was won by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. The 2015 Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix takes place on October 9-11 next year.