The CEO of Russian Grand Prix promoter Rosgonki is confident Sochi can host a safe Formula 1 with fans in September.
On Saturday, F1 confirmed the inclusion of two more races on the 2020 schedule, the Tuscan GP Ferrari 1000 at Mugello and Russia to take the current number of official rounds to 10.
However, Sochi is the only race so far where fans will be in attendance, this despite the country seeing the fourth-highest number of coronavirus cases in the world.
But according to Alexey Titov, every measure is being taken to ensure there’s no risk of a Covid-19 outbreak.
“Together with the Government of the Russian Federation and the championship management, we have made every effort to make the Russian Grand Prix happen this year,” he told Autosport, with the race set for September 27.
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“This will be an incredible festival for the widest audience possible. Eventful days in Russia’s resort capital await all the Sochi Autodrom guests.
“The event attendance remains at a good level year on year, and we are confident that the difficulties of this year will not become a special obstacle for motorsport fans.
“We are meticulously preparing to receive spectators safely and looking forward to seeing everyone in the Olympic Park.”
Which races will follow in October remains uncertain with Auto Motor und Sport reporting on Friday that another European triple-header of Hockenheim, Imola and Portimao is set to be confirmed.
This would likely replace the US, Brazil and Mexico City GPs, all of which continue to see high numbers of Covid-19 cases, while China is also expected to be called off after the government cancelled all international sporting events until the end of the year.
Vietnam has spoken of the potential for a new November date however, after its inaugural race was postponed back in April, while the prospect of two rounds in Bahrain and the finale in Abu Dhabi also seems high.
If that was to be the case, that would take the total to 17 Grands Prix for 2020, within the 15-18 races targeted by F1 bosses.