The likelihood of the race going ahead has been called into question by the cancellation of the Russian round of the World Superbike Championship, due to be held in Moscow on September 21.

It was pulled from the calendar because "the current political situation affects the capabilities of a number of key partner companies essential to run the event", said organisers.

Race promoter Sergey Vorobyev's insistence the Formula One race will go ahead comes after International Automobile Federation president Jean Todt said there was currently "nothing that should change the running of the calendar".

"I am comfortable with what the FIM (World Motorbike Federation) has done, but at the moment we don't have any reason to reconsider any race we have on the calendar," he added.

The race is due to take place on September 21 at the Sochi International Street Circuit, and will see drivers blast their way around a 5.8 kilometres track in the shadow of the indoor venues used for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in February and March.

FIA President Jean Todt says nothing has happened that should change the Formula One race calendar ©Getty Images



"I have no doubts the race will go ahead," racer promoter Vorobyev told Reuters.

"We have construction being done at a good pace, we have the operational and sporting preparations also being done very extensively.

"There is no doubt from any point of view that the race will happen."

The crisis in Ukraine was sparked by Russia's annexation of Crimea from the country in March.

Meanwhile, Donetsk and the neighbouring region of Luhansk have both declared themselves separate from Ukraine after referendums.

Speaking of the progress with construction of the street circuit, which will host round 16 of this year's 19-race Formula One World Championship, Vorobyev added: "We have entered a very active phase in the construction.

"We are doing the final interior works on the team buildings, pit building and main grandstand.

"We are preparing for laying the final layer of asphalt which will be done quite soon.

"We are confident that in August we will have the circuit completed."

He told Reuters a decision on the number of temporary stands that will be installed around the circuit will be made on May 20, alongside details of the ticketing programme.

Richard Cregan, who was chief executive of the Abu Dhabi circuit, is now a consultant to Sochi organisers.

The Formula One drivers' championships is currently led by Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain, who holds a three point advantage over his German team mate Nico Rosberg after five races.