The administration of the Krasnodar region has announced a change to the management of the forthcoming Grand Prix in Sochi.

The decision was announced at a meeting of the 'Department for the organization of the Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix of OJSCD Center Omega' by Alexander Saurin, Deputy Head of the Krasnodar region administration and supervisor of the project.

Sergey Vorobyev, who was previously Deputy Director of the Department has been appointed Acting Director of the Department. The administration announced that Oleg Zabar, who previously filled the role, will now be responsible for “other projects”.

Vorobyev (pictured with Bernie Ecclestone) has been involved in the preparation and delivery of the event since 2012 - prior to being appointed a Deputy Director of the Department in 2013, he worked as the Commercial Director of the Department. He has extensive experience in delivery of the most significant racing circuits in Russia - NRing, Moscow Raceway, PrimRing.

Former Toyota Motorsport and Yas Marina Circuit boss Richard Cregan, who was recruited as a consultant at Sochi in December, said: "Oleg did a very good job in building a team of professionals and establishing good reputation of the project.

"It is important to note that Sergey Vorobyev has been involved in the organization of the Russian Grand Prix for several years. He cooperates with FOM, he is very involved in the details of work processes, and he is acquainted with major figures of the automotive industry and the world of motorsport.

"The team and the administration support him, so, there is comprehensive succession of the project management and there is no doubt he will be successful."