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WTCC considers Russian venues

Three circuits are in the running to host the proposed Russian round of the World Touring Car Championship in 2010

The announcement that there is a planned race in Russian next year came at the end of last year. Since then, WTCC boss Marcello Lotti has been considering possible venues for the event, which will replace one of the rounds on the current calendar.

"There are three candidate cities for the Russian race in 2010, and we will check these three places and make the decision," said Lotti.

The first possibility is Tolyatti, which is also WTCC manufacturer Lada's main headquarters, which is ready to make a permanent circuit. The budget is believed to be in place and the plan has the support of the loval authority.

But as the city is 500 miles east of Moscow, there would be added logistical challenges and expense compared to Moscow, where a street race is the second option.

"There are big streets but it is not so easy," said Lotti. "If we find a good place and it is possible, it will be good. But at the minute I don't feel there is the budget."

St Petersburg is the third candidate and has the advantage of its proximity to the rest of Europe; it is only 50km from Finland. But there are concerns over a lack of space to hold the event in the city.

The final decision will be made by the end of April and the event is expected to be held in August 2010.

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