The promoters of the Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom are considering tweaks to the circuit to promote better racing.
Since joining the schedule in 2014, the event, which takes place around the Olympic Park on the Black Sea coast, has become known for processional races with the Formula 1 cars struggling to follow closely through the technical sections prior to the DRS straights.
Also, a very smooth surface has meant tyre degradation is minimal which, as managing director of motorsport Ross Brawn has previously stated means “there are no performance differentials created”.
The former Mercedes team boss is currently heading research into the different circuit designs to see how certain characteristics either help or hinder the drivers from going wheel-to-wheel.
“Fans know that because of the layout of the Sochi Autodrom, it is a bit short on overtaking,” Alexey Titov, CEO of Rosgonki who now organise the GP told Motorsport.com.
“We are working with [F1 race director] Charlie Whiting, the FIA and FOM very closely and we want to try to change the situation by making some small technical tweaks.”
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With space for alterations to the circuit layout limited, Titov admitted much of the focus would be on other areas.
“You won’t necessarily see these from the grandstands or on the television, but we hope these tweaks will improve the sporting side of the races and we will have more overtaking,” he explained.
“Theoretically it could be anything from widening or narrowing some parts of the track, to changing the asphalt which will affect the tyres differently. This can force teams to use different tactics.”
This year, tyre supplier Pirelli has also tried to address the problem by introducing a new Hypersoft compound designed for low degradation and low grip tracks such as Sochi.
And though the Russian race has moved back to the end of September for 2018, it is likely that will be the only chance of improving the action with promoters admitting any work would have to wait until next year.