Russian GP Could Replace Brazil, Says Pollock

British American Racing's managing director Craig Pollock has backed plans for a Russian Grand Prix in Moscow and suggested that Brazil could make way for the new race.

It was announced before the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend that Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone had granted Moscow the chance to stage a Grand Prix as soon as a suitable circuit is built. Pollock believes that racing in Russia could open up business opportunities for Formula One.

"I've got nothing against the race going to Moscow," said Pollock. "It could potentially open up more sponsors coming into the sport. It opens up a whole new dimension and marketplace.

"But if it's a question of taking off one of the Grands Prix it would be interesting to see which Grand Prix they're going to take away."

Pollock added that personally he is against removing any race from the calendar, but he believes that if one had to go then Brazil would be the obvious choice.

"I don't want to see any of them go," said Pollock. "But if you did it by racetrack and facilities, then I think somewhere with the smallest garage facilities and the most difficult conditions to work in is Brazil. But then again it's a great race. Personally I'd prefer to see 25 races and no testing at all, but that's a personal opinion."

He also revealed that he is keen on a re-introduction of Friday qualifying, but said he does not expect that to happen in the future.

"I'd love to see different changes in format," he said. "I'd still like to see qualifying on Friday and a second qualifying session on Saturday and maybe adding the two times together. But then again that's just a personal view and maybe it's not the best thing for the team."