The Sochi circuit, located in the Black Sea resort of the same name, is the first purpose-built Formula One facility in Russia.
The track width varies from 13 metres at its narrowest point to 15 metres at the start-finish line. The circuit, which runs in a clockwise direction, consists of 12 right- and six left-hand corners, and combines both high-speed and technical sections. On their first visit to the track, Formula One cars reached 332 km/h on the 650-metre straight between the first and second turns.
© Sputnik / Evgeny BiyatovThe cars pictured during Sochi Grand Prix.
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The cars pictured during Sochi Grand Prix.
© Sputnik / Evgeny BiyatovNico Rosberg celebrating the big win.
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Nico Rosberg celebrating the big win.
© Sputnik / Alexey KudenkoThe start of F1 Grand Prix in Sochi.
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The start of F1 Grand Prix in Sochi.
© Sputnik / Vladimir AstapkovichFans eager for the race to start.
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Fans eager for the race to start.
© Sputnik / Vladimir AstapkovichThe 2015 Russian Grand Prix was held later in the season, with Lewis Hamilton taking his ninth win before going on to clinch the title at the next round.
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© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich
The 2015 Russian Grand Prix was held later in the season, with Lewis Hamilton taking his ninth win before going on to clinch the title at the next round.
© Sputnik / Vladimir AstapkovichA Ferrari fan before the start of Sochi Grand Prix.
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© Sputnik / Vladimir Astapkovich
A Ferrari fan before the start of Sochi Grand Prix.
© Sputnik / Evgeny BiyatovRed Bull’s Daniil Kvyat said that he accepted responsibility for a double collision with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel on the first lap - and apologized to Vettel after the race.
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Red Bull’s Daniil Kvyat said that he accepted responsibility for a double collision with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel on the first lap - and apologized to Vettel after the race.
© Sputnik / Mikhail KorytovDaniil Kvyat's fans during the race.
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Daniil Kvyat's fans during the race.
© REUTERS / Maxim ShemetovMercedes F1 driver Nico Rosberg leads the pack during the Russian Grand Prix.
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Mercedes F1 driver Nico Rosberg leads the pack during the Russian Grand Prix.
© Sputnik / Alexey FilippovKnown for his cerebral approach and strong work ethic, Nico Rosberg has since established himself as one of F1’s quickest and most consistent drivers
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© Sputnik / Alexey Filippov
Known for his cerebral approach and strong work ethic, Nico Rosberg has since established himself as one of F1’s quickest and most consistent drivers
© REUTERS / Maxim ShemetovHostesses before the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi.
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Hostesses before the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi.
© Sputnik / Alexey FilippovVladimir Putin congratulates the GP winner, Nico Rosberg.
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© Sputnik / Alexey Filippov
Vladimir Putin congratulates the GP winner, Nico Rosberg.
© Sputnik / Alexei Kudenko / Mikhail Korytov / Go to the mediabankFerrari team driver Kimi Raikkonen during a pit stop at the Russian 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix.
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Ferrari team driver Kimi Raikkonen during a pit stop at the Russian 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix.