Vladimir Putin backing new St Petersburg circuit to replace Sochi!

Valdimir Putin, Russian president, has backed plans for a new F1 track to be built near St Petersburg, to replace Sochi as the host of the Russian Grand Prix as soon as 2021.

According to Sportsmail, the president is set to bankroll a new purpose-built track just 15 miles from the city.

This weekend sees the sixth Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, although the track has failed to establish itself as a favourite on the calendar.

Bernie Ecclestone looked at the possibility of a race in the city a decade ago, before the decision to make the track around the Winter Olympic venue at Sochi was made.

Liberty Media's idea for 'destination cities' would also fit these plans, with the group still looking at a race in Miami, having already brought in the Vietnam Grand Prix for 2020 in Hanoi.