Daniil Kvyat says he would back a plan to relocate Russia's Grand Prix to the country's second-largest city in the near future.
There are plans to drop Sochi, which with a population of just 400,000 ranks as Russia's 47th largest city and sits more than 840 miles away from the capital of Moscow, and instead move the race to St Petersburg, which has a population of over five million and is just 388 miles south-east of the capital.
Kvyat reckons this will boost the spectator numbers and attract fans from Moscow and other surrounding cities.
"I think as long as there is a racing in Russia I am up for it," he said.
"Maybe it’s not a bad idea to have it closer to that region, also, where it’s more accessible to the people from Moscow, from St Petersburg, maybe it will bring more spectators which is cool, and maybe also from Europe, from Finland.
"Why not? It’s not a bad idea. Here is very nice but who knows if there it could be even better?"
Although Sochi has a deal to host the grand prix through 2025, redevelopment of the Olympic Park – where the track is situated – could see the track shortened significantly and would drop below the minimum length required by the FIA, which would automatically void that contract.
Therefore next year's 2020 event could be the last at the circuit, with a new purpose-built venue just 15 miles outside of St Petersburg due to begin construction this year.
