The Russian Grand Prix, a new round of the Formula One World Championship, was launched in Sochi on October 10.
The event, which takes place at the recently-constructed Sochi Autodrom, began with free practice and will culminate in a race on October 12.
The Russian Grand Prix, a new round of the Formula One World Championship, was launched in Sochi on October 10.
Above: Sauber F1 Team's racer Sergei Sirotkin in box during free practice at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Above: Sauber F1 Team's racer Sergei Sirotkin in box during free practice at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
The event, which takes place at the recently-constructed Sochi Autodrom, began with free practice and will culminate in a race on October 12.
Above: Ferrari racer Fernando Alonso participates in free practice at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Above: Ferrari racer Fernando Alonso participates in free practice at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
The Mercedes Team's racer Nico Rosbers has shown the best result during free practice (1 minute 42.311 seconds).
Above: Prepping of Sebastian Vettel's race car in Red Bull Racing team's box during free practice at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Above: Prepping of Sebastian Vettel's race car in Red Bull Racing team's box during free practice at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Another member of the Mercedes Team, Lewis Hamilton, came in second (+0.853 seconds).
Above: Mercedes racer Lewis Hamilton in his team's box during preparations before the first free practice sessions at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Above: Mercedes racer Lewis Hamilton in his team's box during preparations before the first free practice sessions at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Russian racer Daniil Kvyat came in seventh (+0,853).
Above: Toro Rosso Tean racer Daniil Kvyat before the first free practice sessions at the Russian Gran Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Above: Toro Rosso Tean racer Daniil Kvyat before the first free practice sessions at the Russian Gran Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Over 20 thousand spectators have already visited the Sochi Autodrom where the event is taking place.
Above: Spectators watch the free practice at the Russian Gradn Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi. A banner in support of Toro Rosso racer Daniil Kvyat is seen in the foreground.
Above: Spectators watch the free practice at the Russian Gradn Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi. A banner in support of Toro Rosso racer Daniil Kvyat is seen in the foreground.
The Sochi Autodrome is 5.852 km (2.637) miles long and comprised of 19 bends. The maximum speed which can be achieved on the track is 320 km/h (199 mph).
Above: Ferrari Team racer Kimi Raikkonen participates in free practice at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Above: Ferrari Team racer Kimi Raikkonen participates in free practice at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
The event is the first Formula One Grand Prix to be hosted in Russia.
Above: Red Bull Racing Team racer Sebastian Vettel takes part in the free practice at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Above: Red Bull Racing Team racer Sebastian Vettel takes part in the free practice at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
"After months of anticipation, Formula One racing arrives in Russia for the first time this weekend, with the brand-new Sochi Autodrom – the only racing circuit in the world to be located in an Olympic venue – playing host to the teams and drivers," says a statement posted on the official Formula 1 website.
Above: Ferrari Team racer Fernando Alonso at a pit stop during free practice sessions at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Above: Ferrari Team racer Fernando Alonso at a pit stop during free practice sessions at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Above: Red Bull Racing team member Daniel Ricciardo takes part in free practice at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Above: Lotus F1 Team racer Romain Grosjean participates in free practice at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
Above: Spectators watch the free practice event at the Russian Grand Prix round of Formula 1 in Sochi.
