APRIL 29, 2005

A circuit in Russia - for Russians

Media reports about a new Grand Prix venue in Russia are wide of the mark. There is a plan for a new racing circuit to be built around 50 miles out of Moscow but the track is being designed for Russian national competitions rather than with any international ambitions. The project is being headed by former touring car driver Dmitry Korolov.

"Our prime aim is to create conditions for the development of Russian motor racing sport," Korolev told a Russian newsagency.

The problem is that Russian racers do not have permanent facilities on which to race and many feel that this is holding back the development of the sport. The work will start work in 2006 and the design of a circuit is now being undertaken by Tilke GmbH.