Breaking news
Formula 1 Russian GP
Russia close to 2017 night race plan
Russia is closing in on a decision to switch to a night race in 2017, event organisers have said, as part of an effort to attract more fans.
Jonathan Noble
Edited: May 5, 2021, 4:38 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Sochi chiefs have always had one eye on running the event in the evening, but needed to weigh up the costs of installing lighting equipment.
With that feasibility study having been completed, organisers are now edging closer giving the project a green light.
However, with next year's race taking place in May it is too late to make next year's event a night race, so 2017 is looking more likely.
When asked by Motorsport.com about the latest on the night race plans, Krasnodar region representative Alexander Saurin said: "We have calculated how much it will cost, and how long it will take us to prepare the venue.
"So we are analysing the solution. I think we shouldn't expect that before 2017. We will make the decision in 2016 but won't launch the operation until 2017."
Dusk start likely
Sochi consultant Richard Cregan said that he expected the race would run at dusk, which is similar to the timing of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that he has also overseen.
"I think something like a 7pm start would make most sense," said Cregan. "That way it could start when it is light and finish in the dark.
"We are looking at what needs to be done, but hopefully the installation of lighting equipment will help us allow Sochi to run as a venue all year round."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Verstappen "not afraid" of losing F1 drive
Next article Pirelli: Teams will focus race preparations on tomorrow
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jonathan Noble
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Latest news
Alex Bowman hits out at critics in snarky post, shooting down early exit rumors
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Homestead-Miami
1 h
Alex Bowman hits out at critics in snarky post, shooting down early exit rumors
Ryan Blaney gets sweet redemption after 'nightmares' following 2024 Homestead loss
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Homestead-Miami
1 h
Ryan Blaney gets sweet redemption after 'nightmares' following 2024 Homestead loss
IndyCar 2026 season review: Dale Coyne Racing
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 1 h
IndyCar 2026 season review: Dale Coyne Racing
Noah Gragson apologizes to Daniel Suarez for spinning him at Homestead
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Homestead-Miami
2 h
Noah Gragson apologizes to Daniel Suarez for spinning him at Homestead
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe