Russia follows Monaco - wants 'pretty girls' on the grid!

After Monaco's announcement that the Principality will be retaining its grid girls this year, Russian Grand Prix organisers have followed suit on the same subject.

This year, Formula 1 has replaced the glamorous female presence with a 'grid kids' programme at each venue, to better reflect the sport's brand and values.

But Monaco, and now Russia, appear to have ideas of their own on the matter.

Dmitry Kozak, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, says the Russian Grand Prix organization committee has engaged in discussions with Liberty Media to keep the women on the grid for next September's race in Sochi.

• Glitzy and glamorous Monaco goes against grid girl ban!

"Our girls are the most beautiful," Kozak told Interfax.

"It’s wrong at races to lead out children, who are frightened of mechanical things, you need grown-ups," he said.

"In all kinds of motorsport, girls advertise the cars and it looks harmonious and pretty.

"If we manage to reach agreement we plan to reinstate this tradition. After all, our girls are the most beautiful."

No argument there Dmitry!

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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