Night race in Russia plan scrapped

The organisers of the Russian Grand Prix have turned around on earlier reports suggesting that the future of the Russian Grand Prix could be held under the lights.

Before the ousting of long-time supremo Bernie Ecclestone, there were suggestions that the event in Sochi could be scheduled to take place under the night's sky. However, these reports have now been scrapped.

"It's a new management team in Formula 1 now, and there are doubts that it makes sense to do the Grand Prix of Russia at night," deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak told the Tass news agency. "The TV picture is important for sports fans around the world, and the sea, the mountains all look very nice on the TV at the moment," he added.

While Sochi currently holds a contract to host a race until, many fans have backed the motive for a night race in Sochi, to perhaps increase the appeal of the event.

Fergal Walsh