Russia drops plans to race under the floodlights in Sochi

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Russia's deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak has ruled out the possibility of the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi becoming a night race in the near future.

The event's boss, Sergey Vorobyev said that he was hopeful the venue would turn on the floodlights if the local government would back the necessary investment.

But Kozak sees no reason to proceed with a night-race idea.

"As for the prospects of night races, we have been watching the TV feed from Sochi as it is now and it is fabulous," Kozak told reporters during his visit yesterday.

"We can see the beautiful Olympic venues, great landscapes and there are no reasons to move it to evening hours.

"There is no way we could achieve the same quality at a later time."

Hamilton would love a New York night race

The deputy Prime Minister also met with F1 CEO Chase Carey yesterday and expressed his enthusiasm over Liberty Media's vision of the future of the Russian Grand Prix.

"We talked about the continuation of our cooperation with the new Formula One Group Management," he said.

"We have reached an agreement in all areas. We have a wonderful cooperation experience and nothing is going to change.

"Formula 1 gives additional life to all Olympic tourist infrastructure which was set in place in preparation for the Olympic Games.

"This is an additional opportunity to use the Olympic legacy."

©WRI2

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.