The Russian Grand Prix, which was announced as round ten on the updated Formula 1 calendar, will be open to spectators, organisers have confirmed.
The Sochi Autodrom venue will host F1 in late September, a fortnight after F1 makes its first visit to Mugello for the Tuscan GP.
Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, who holds the position of chairman of the Organising Committee for the Preparation and Delivery of the Russian Round of the FIA Formula One World Championship, said the country will allow spectators to attend the event.
“Russia is ready to receive the Formula 1 teams and spectators,” he said. “The government will provide all the assistance required during the preparation and delivery of the competition.
“I would like to highlight the partnership approach of the organisers, Formula One Group, with which we have reached a mutually beneficial agreement on holding the Russian Grand Prix.
“Formula 1 is one of the most popular world-class international competitions. It will be an important event for Russian sport.”
Race organising committee CEO Alexey Titov added: “Together with the Government of the Russian Federation and the championship management, we have made every effort to make the Russian Grand Prix happen this year.
“This will be an incredible festival for the widest audience possible. Eventful days in Russia’s resort capital await all the Sochi Autodrom guests. The event attendance remains at a good level year on year, and we are confident that the difficulties of this year will not become a special obstacle for motorsport fans. We are meticulously preparing to receive spectators safely and looking forward to seeing everyone in the Olympic Park.”
Russia has reported more than 11,000 COVID-19 deaths, but has begun to ease its lockdown measures in recent days.