Deputy PM: Russia could have own F1 team
Sep.30 - Russia's deputy prime minister thinks there could soon be a Russian F1 team on the grid.
Next year, Daniil Kvyat could be joined on the grid not only by Sergey Sirotkin but another Russian driver Artem Markelov, while Nikita Mazepin is also knocking on the door.
Russian deputy PM Dmitry Kozak says motor racing is gaining in popularity in Russia.
"I know there are many lovers of motor sports in Russia and also wealthy businessmen who are ready to invest in the creation of a Russian formula one team," he told Tass news agency.
The news agency said Kozak even met with these businessmen at Sochi to discuss the formation of a Russian team.
"The result of our meeting with automakers should be the creation of a Russian formula one car," he said.
"We talked about 2024, but I do not think that it can be done in that time. But I think it can be done within a decade," he added.
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone backed the development.
"It's great that the number of Russian drivers is increasing," he said at Sochi, "but I hope there will be a Russian team. That would be even better."
Controversial Russian president Vladimir Putin will attend Sunday's Russian grand prix, the Kremlin announced.
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"....Controversial Russian president Vladimir Putin will attend Sunday's Russian grand prix, the Kremlin announced...." Controversial? Really? Why? Because he doesn't get told what to do? Don't worry, the field is crowded with such people. Picking only the leading set of such obsequious champions you could populate F1 grid several times over. Leave Putin alone, he knows what he's doing - just like Kimmi.
Great news if this happens. Putin loves sport and likes to show off. Russians have plenty of talented guys who can challenge other teams and I am sure the officials will give them full support and Russian F1 supporters will be overjoyed and I join them.