F1 News: Russian Grand Prix open to hosting F1 double-header

With F1 owner Liberty Media still working on finalising the second part of the season, having announced the first eight races earlier this week, Sochi has emerged as a candidate to host a double-header.

A report in German publication Auto Motor Und Sport suggested that F1 was keeping its plan for the remainder of the year flexible, especially amid ongoing uncertainty about coronavirus infection rates around the world.

Races in Imola, Mugello and Hockenheim have been suggested, with it looking almost certain that the grands prix in Baku, Singapore and Japan will not go ahead.

One idea now also being considered is that Sochi - because of its location, airport distance and easy ability to isolate F1 staff from the outside world - could be the ideal place for F1 to hold back-to-back races.

It is a format being used for the Austrian and British Grands Prix, with the Red Bull Ring and Silvestone both due to hold double-headers.

A statement from Russian GP promoter Rosgonki confirmed that discussions were ongoing with F1 bosses about the exact format of its plans for this year.

The spokesman told Autosport: "Currently, we are working with colleagues from Formula 1 on various options for holding the Russian Grand Prix. This applies to both the format of the weekend and the number of races.

"If necessary, we do not exclude the possibility of holding two rounds.

"Sochi has an excellent modern infrastructure that our partners appreciate.

"In terms of organisation, the Rosgonki team is ready for several racing weekends in Sochi.

"The final format of the race will be determined after additional consultations with experts and analysis of the current situation with coronavirus."

The Russian GP joined the F1 calendar in 2014 using the Sochi Autodrom, which was repurposed as a race track after the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Mercedes has clinched victory at every Sochi race, with Lewis Hamilton taking victory on four occasions while Nico Rosberg triumphed in 2016 and Valtteri Bottas securing his maiden F1 win in 2017.