Ecclestone doubts Russian GP will be a night race

Sochi organisers had talked since its inaugural event in 2014 of moving the start time until the evening at some point.

But despite much analysis of the cost implications of flood lighting the track, Ecclestone said on Sunday that he thought that the expense could not be justified.

When asked by Motorsport.com about if he thought Russia would join the list of events that were night races, he said: "I doubt it.

"It is not cheap to put in because when it was built, that was the time to lay all the cables. They all they would have to do is put in the light bulbs – but it didn't happen.

"Nobody thought about a night race – and when this was all built they hadn't thought about a race."

Still talking

Russian Grand Prix promoter Sergey Vorobyev said that the organisers were still evaluating the situation and that a final decision had not yet been made.

"It's too early to talk about that," Vorobyev told Motorsport.com. "Indeed, we do want to hold a night race – and it's an idea that's being discussed at all levels. But the final decision is yet to be made.

"The decision could be made this weekend – or maybe not. But as soon as we get a definite answer, we'll announce."