Rotenberg says Igora Drive built for Formula 1 return

Boris Rotenberg, president of the Russian Automobile Federation, says Russia is pursuing an FIA licence for the Igora Drive circuit near St Petersburg. He said the track must first be accepted by the international federation before it can host international competitions, and when asked whether it could host Formula 1, he replied that the circuit was built for the sport.

Igora Drive was originally due to replace Sochi as the venue for the Russian Grand Prix from 2023, but Formula 1 cancelled its Russian contract after the invasion of Ukraine. The two sides are now contesting past race fees in London's High Court.

There have been some signs of a softer stance under FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who in August lifted restrictions on Russian and Belarusian drivers competing under their national flags. However, the FIA's ban on international competitions taking place in Russia remains in force.