Russian Grand Prix extends Sochi Formula 1 deal to 2025

Discussions over extending the existing contract, which ran until the end of 2020, began with Bernie Ecclestone at least year's Russian GP.

Russia's decision to agree a new deal comes against the backdrop of a change in F1 ownership under Liberty Media, and has been helped by the securing of a long-term title sponsor for the race in the VTB Group.

That deal means the race promoter fees are no longer being paid by the Russian government.

Russian GP promoter Sergey Vorobyov said it was "a complex deal, which combines the promoter contract.

"The important part is the title sponsorship contract for us, and there are a few other things that we are working on now with Chase [Carey, F1 chairman] and his team that I'm not ready to announce yet.

"Everything started with Bernie and is being concluded with Chase and his team."

NIGHT RACE STILL ON AGENDA

Vorobyov confirmed Sochi was still evaluating plans to eventually make its GP a night race, but this would only happen if the infrastructure could be provided by Russian companies.

"There is an option of having a night race if we spend quite a significant amount of money and six to seven months of preparations," he said.

"This can be done by using one of the suppliers that had done such projects for Abu Dhabi or Bahrain or Singapore.

"But as a part of our vision for a Russian Grand Prix we want to go local in this regard.

"And we are now preparing the technical documentation for Russian companies that will apply for this type of contractual work for lighting and for electricity services for the Sochi Autodrom for the night race and we will be working very closely with FIA and FOM, so that will be specifically Russian made lighting.

"We want everything to be made locally."