15/04/2010
NEWS STORY
Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that he is targeting the resort of Sochi, which is due to host the Winter Olympics in 2014, for the Russian Grand Prix.
"We've got two or three places in Russia which we're dealing with at the moment," he told reporters during a visit to the circuit which will host the Korean Grand Prix later this year. "There is a big push for us to do something with Sochi."
North of the northern Republic of Georgia border and the southern Russian border fronting the Black Sea, Sochi lines the shores of the Black Sea with the Caucasus Mountains creating a stunning backdrop. It is said to be the longest city in Europe.
Referring to reports earlier this week in the German media, in which it was claimed that the Korean circuit will not be ready for the country's inaugural race in October, Ecclestone said he was convinced the track would ready in time to host the event. "I'm absolutely sure," he said. "No doubt at all."
Asked about (designer) Herman Tilke's comments to the German media, which sparked the claims, Ecclestone said: "I've spoken to Tilke and he denies saying it."