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Sochi set for Russia GP

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-15 08:19

SOCHI, Russia - Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is in Sochi with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to sign a five-year deal for a Russian Grand Prix from 2014, government sources said on Thursday.

Ecclestone's office confirmed that the Briton, who has made a Russian Grand Prix top of his agenda, was in Russia.

The Black Sea resort of Sochi is also hosting the Winter Olympics in 2014.

The sources said the deal was expected sign later on Thursday.

Russia would be the latest addition to an already expanded calendar, with a record 20 races scheduled for next year. India is making its debut in 2011 after South Korea's inaugural race next week.

A return to the United States, with a grand prix in Austin, Texas, is scheduled for 2012.

Ecclestone has said 20 races is probably the limit for the glamour sport, meaning that some races in the European heartland could be dropped, although he has also joked about adding more.

Reuters