Earlier this year it was announced that Sochi had been chosen to host Russia's first-ever Formula One race and that it was scheduled to be held in 2014 a few months after the Closing Ceremony of the Olympics and Paralympics.

That has led to fears within the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that Sochi's preparations could be compromised.

Chernyshenko, though, has claimed he has guarantees from Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin that nothing will be allowed to disrupt preparations for the Games in 2014.

"I know the State operation, which is in charge of the general management of all the construction, are running a feasibility study to realise how the preparations for Formula One project could affect the construction of the Olympic Park," Chernyshenko told insidethegames.

"Very soon we shall submit this result to the IOC but we have reassurances from our state leaders that if there should be some minor concerns that there might be some clashes with these two projects then, in accordance to the contract between the host organisation and Formula One owners, the first formula one competition could hold on until 2015.

"The Olympics will come first."

Sochi Mayor Anatoly Pakhomov has claimed, however, that preparations for the Formula One race are ahead of schedule and he is confident that they will be able to stage the inaugural race shortly after the Olympics and Paralympics in 2014. 

"The specific requirements of managing the two events together is being studied carefully at present as the committee working to oversee the successful implementation of the Olympics becomes fully integrated with the committee being set up to orchestrate the F1 race which is still in its formative stage," said Pakhomov.

"Of course there are some more specific features that will need to be added upon the completion of the Olympic Games such as run-off areas, catch fencing etc.

"But we foresee the base requirements of the track being completed approximately one year prior to the first race being held."



A seven-year contract was signed in October between Putin and Formula One President and chief executive Bernie Ecclestone (pictured) for Sochi to hold the race in the Olympic Park.

Andrey Kryanik, a senior executive of Olympic and Grand Prix sponsor MegaFon, has predicted that the event will become one of the most popular events on the worldwide circuit.

"The track will be a classic track with an emphasis on good overtaking opportunities, no gimmicks," he said.

"It will have a mix of high-speed corners, long straights and hairpins.

"On the one hand you will have the mountains as a backdrop and a city street track feel at the same time."

Chernyshenko is confident that Sochi's appearance on the Formula One circuit will ensure that it builds on the opportunities offered by hosting the Olympics and Paralympics.

"This is very good for the city and for Sochi as a destination," he said.

"It will attract more visitors and it will be a different kind of legacy.

"But the focus is now on the Olympic Games and the Formula One will be next."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
November 2010: Sochi 2014 preparations will not be compromised by Formula One race
October 2010: Sochi to host Formula One after Putin signs deal with Ecclestone
June 2010: Sochi Mayor confirms plan for city to host F1 after Olympics