Kvyat all for Russian GP move to St Petersburg

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Daniil Kvyat would welcome a transfer of the Russian Grand Prix from Sochi to St Petersburg's new Igora Drive circuit, believing such a plan would boost his home race's attendance numbers.

Development plans centered around Sochi's Autodrom have cast a doubt on the venue's F1 future, with Igora Drive's new circuit expected to take over Russia's F1 event from 2021.

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The impressive track and its infrastructures - designed in partnership with Tilke Architects - are nearing completion and will receive an FIA Grade 1 licence that will allow the facility to host an F1 Grand Prix.

However, Sochi's current contract with F1 runs until 2025 and the Russian GP promoter has said in the past that it intends on honoring its deal to the end.

But Kvyat is nevertheless enthusiastic about the prospect of F1 racing at Igora Drive, and the AlphaTauri charger hopes the move happens.

"Yes, I would say very excited," he told Sky Sports' Rachel Brookes and fans during on Instagram chat on Tuesday.

"If it happens, it’s going to be mega. I think obviously Sochi’s great still but if you go to St Petersburg I always said that we will be closer to Europe and more people from Scandinavian countries will be able to join.

"And it’s going to be cool. It’s going to bring I think Russia a bit closer to the racing world."

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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.