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Is there going to be a Formula 1 race in Finland?

Is there going to be a Formula 1 race in Finland?

17-01-2019 16:18 Last update: 16:28
3

Bevan Youl

Finnish motorsport’s governing body, AKK Motorsport, has launched a study as to whether the country can host a Formula 1 race at due to host MotoGP track KymiRing.

The KymiRing is set to host a MotoGP race from 2020 and the Finnish governing body has applied to the Ministry of Education and Culture for funding to be able to study and gather more information as to the possibilities of Formula 1 in Finland.

CEO of Akk Tatu Lehmuskallio said that "Finland has an excellent and unique legacy in motorsports,” (autosport.com).

"Not only have Finnish Formula 1 and WRC rally drivers collected more world championship points in recent seasons than drivers from any other country, we also have internationally-recognised expertise on hosting modern, reliable, sustainable and - most of all - thrilling motorsport events for fans, partners and athletes.”

There are currently two active Finnish Formula 1 drivers in Valterri Bottas for constructors’ champions Mercedes, and recent Ferrari and 2007 World Champion driver Kimi Raikkonen, who has now moved to Sauber for 2019.

"The study will provide us detailed knowledge on what motor racing competition at the highest level truly demands and that will help us tremendously when staging other racing events, too."

The KymiRing is a 2.79-mile track in the southeast of the country and was due to host the MotoGP race this year but had to be pushed back to 2020 due it not being completed in time.