Russian GP to move to St Petersburg circuit from 2023
The F1 circus is set to visit St Petersburg from 2023, with the Russian GP moving from Sochi to the Igora Drive circuit
F1 is heading to St Petersburg's Igora Drive circuit in 2023
Peter KovalevTASS via Getty Images
The Russian Grand Prix is set for a location change in 2023 after it was announced the event would move from Sochi to St Petersburg.
The Autodrom Igora Drive, 54km (33 miles) outside St Petersburg, was announced to be the new home to the Russian race two years from now.
The Igora circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, was given Grade 1 status by the FIA last year, making it eligible for grand prix events. Russia has had an F1 race since 2014, with each one being held at Sochi.
“I am pleased to confirm following joint intensive work with our Russian partners and detailed assessment of Igora Drive – Formula 1 will be racing at that amazing circuit from 2023,” said F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali in a statement.
“I am impressed by St Petersburg and believe that the Russian Grand Prix at Igora Drive will be an incredible event.”
The St Petersburg track was set to host DTM and its supporting W Series last year, but this was cancelled due to the COVID epidemic.
The grand prix could become a new home race for F1’s Finnish contingent of Kimi Räikkönen and Valtteri Bottas – the race is only 150km (93 miles) from the Russia/Finland border.