Russia to host its first Formula One race in Europe starting in 2014 . Russian motorsport commentator Alexei Popov has hailed hosting a grand prix as one of the biggest events in sport . `` Such an ambitious project became possible only due to the political will of high-profile officials , '' he told business newspaper Vedomosti . ` A seven - year deal has been agreed , running the race through the 2020 season . Russian Grand Prix could lead to the country 's first - ever Formula One team . Vitaly Petrov this year became the first Russian to compete in an F1 race , with no .
Russia to host its first Formula One race in Europe starting in 2014 . A seven - year deal has been agreed , running the race through the 2020 season . Russian Grand Prix could lead to the country 's first - ever Formula One team . Vitaly Petrov this year became the first Russian to compete in an F1 race , with no .