Sochi promoter claims Russian F1 GP could still go ahead

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, F1 issued a statement on Friday saying it would be "impossible" for the Sochi event to go ahead in the "current circumstances".

The move was backed by a number of F1 drivers who spoke in Friday's press conference, while four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel said on Thursday he would boycott the race if it did go ahead.

The promoter of the Russian Grand Prix, Rosgonki, reacted to the announcement by saying the contract to hold the race had been suspended.

However, it instructed fans not to seek refunds for tickets as "it is still possible that the round will take place and will be held as previously scheduled" despite F1's statement.

Tickets for the event were still on sale at the time of writing. 

"According to the official statement released by Formula 1 on 25/02/2022, due to the current political situation in the world, the FIA has decided to suspend preparations for the Formula 1 World Championship round in Russia previously scheduled to be held in Sochi in September 2022 because it is impossible to hold it in the current circumstances," the statement reads.

"The agreement between the official Russian Grand Prix promoter ANO 'ROSGONKI' and FORMULA 1 is suspended due to force majeure events.

"The purchased tickets are not cancelled – there is no need to get refunds for them now because it is still possible that the round will take place and will be held as previously scheduled.

"ANO 'ROSGONKI' continues its business as usual providing services to the Sochi Autodrom guests, as well as organising and holding motorsport and other events of the federal, regional and municipal level as part of the event calendar approved."

The drivers stand on the grid in support of the End Racism campaign prior to the start

Photo by: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images

This year's Russian Grand Prix was due to be the last to take place at the Sochi Autodrom ahead of the race moving to St Petersburg in 2023.

Russian president Vladimir Putin attended a number of the early races in Sochi, taking part in the podium ceremony and trophy presentation.

Earlier today, UEFA announced that the Champions League final would not be held in St Petersburg at the end of May as planned, shifting the match to Paris.

Suggestions have been made that F1 could instead race in Turkey this year, given its proximity in the region, but it is understood that this is not currently an option.