Publications
• Russia wants to host two races in 2020
• Championship to consist of 8 races - initially
• Backup races eyed
Organisers of the Russian GP say they are open to hosting a second race at Sochi on the 2020 'corona calendar'.
So far, only eight races are featured on the initial Europe-only calendar, with Formula 1 sporting boss Ross Brawn admitting the dates are "pretty firm".
After those races, F1 wants to start travelling overseas to its other usual destinations.
Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko told n-tv: "I assume that the first eight races in Europe are fixed, so that would be enough for a world championship. The overseas races are in some countries that are currently at great risk from corona. These races are planned, but whether they really will take place is in the stars."
Which races would you like to see take on the revised 2020 F1 calendar? Email us.
Possible backups
F1 is therefore keeping its eye on some backup European events, like Hockenheim, Mugello and Imola.
Hockenheim operator Jochen Nerpel said: "It was clear to us that we would be left out initially in the event that the restrictions were lifted in England."
READ: Formula 1 unveils eight-race schedule in Europe from July 5
Sochi is another destination that could potentially fill a gap in the calendar, even if the promoter Rosgonki admits that it would prefer to host one race rather than two.
The promoter said: "If necessary, we are able to organise and conduct two F1 races in Sochi. Now, together with F1, a number of options are being worked out."
