Moscow gets green light for grand prix

[renaultbel]

Moscow could stage a grand prix in the near future, according to Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
The vice-president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), in the Russian capital looking at possible circuits, is upbeat about the chances of a race taking place.

During his stay in Moscow, Ecclestone met Mayor Yuri Luzhkov and it is believed an informal agreement has been reached on the building of a suitable site.

"We have eight venues seeking Formula One rights at the moment, but I believe that this Moscow is where the next event should be," Ecclestone told a press conference.

The news comes just weeks after the Moscow authorities gave the final go-ahead for a £66million project on the city's Nagatino Island.

An agreement was drawn up last year between Tom Walkinshaw's Oxfordshire-based TWR outfit and representatives of Moscow city council to build the facility.

Days after that deal was signed there was an attempt on the life of Josif Ordzhonikidze, the deputy mayor who negotiated it, although it is believed the assassination attempt had nothing to do with the F1 project.

Moscow would be the first new grand prix venue since Malaysia in 1999 although Indianapolis returned to the calendar in 2000.

The addition will inevitably raise questions as to which current venue will make way for the race.

Germany and Italy currently host two grands prix each although there is bound to be opposition if either the Nurburgring or Hockenheim in Germany or Monza and Imola in Italy are to be dropped.

[Victor Broccoli]

I could see Malaysia getting the boot. They turned a loss.....it's a possibility.

Although I do believe that both Germany and Italy should have to drop a race, in order to make room. I believe that both Russia and China should have GP's (and Chinese one NOT at Zhizhi, but at Macau. It's an awesome road course, IMO)