More than 20,000 Visit Sochi Autodrom on Opening ‘Free’ Day!

Some of the 20,000 on hand Thursday

More than 20,000 fans today passed through the gates of Sochi Autodrom to be a part of the inaugural FORMULA 1 RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX – the biggest sporting event held in Russia since the Winter Olympics!

On a historic day for Russian sport, the sun was shining bright to welcome the teams, drivers, crews and fans as they arrived at the brand new circuit for a glorious, action packed day.

Today's schedule of events on and off track was incredibly busy and filled with some great moments and the first of many memories for everyone to take home with them when they finally leave Sochi.

The very fortunate three-day ticket holders queued in their thousands to experience the Pit Lane Walk this afternoon, where they got right up close to the very centre of Formula 1. The Pit Lane Walk offered them the incredible opportunity to step right up to the teams' garages at the Pit Building and witness firsthand the mechanics and engineers working on the world's most innovative racing cars at close range. Thousands more were able to step on to the new track and breathe in the amazing atmosphere that is building and building here in Sochi.

Some fans stopped to express their feelings on the new circuit and Russia's newest sporting venue.

ldar from Kislovodsk said : "I've been waiting for this Pit Lane Walk since August. I'm so happy that I'll get to see everything with my own eyes. I want to see the view from my Grandstand. I bought a ticket to the T4 Grandstand, and I will be supporting Daniil Kvyat as well as the sport itself. I'm sure that everything will be just fine!"

Igor from Minsk had this to say: "I have a feeling of great positive energy and happiness! We've been waiting for Formula 1 to come to Russia for a long time. I came here from Belarus and I am excited to see everything with my own eyes. Everything looks just awesome!"

Another guest, Anna said that, "Everything is fantastic! I've been watching Formula 1 for four years and I support Jenson Button and – what a miracle – today I got his autograph! I am overjoyed!"

Alena, who came all the way from Saint Petersburg, was delighted: "I came here with my husband. I am super excited to have visited the autograph session. This is something new for me. I managed to get the autograph of both Ferrari drivers".

F1 Village Opens
Just 15 minutes after the main gates to Sochi Autodrom opened; the F1 Village welcomed thousands of F1 fans for what should prove to be a weekend of incredible entertainment on and off track. From today onwards, fans will be able to enjoy the many fun events that have been scheduled for them for when they are not being dazzled by the world's greatest drivers racing this brand new circuit.

The fan-favorite, GameZone tent has been set up within the F1 Village, where fans can live the dream and race the Sochi Autodrom circuit in one of the amazing simulators, experiencing what it must be like to be a real F1 driver. In addition, whoever sets the fastest time this weekend, will be awarded with a Paddock Club pass for the race day Sunday, so there's no excuse for fans not to have a go!

There are also special zones in the F1 Village, catering solely for families with young children. In addition, for anyone requiring some rest away from all the excitement on and off track, there is be a special ‘Chillout' area where guests can relax and take a well-earned break in between all the many fun activities taking place on and around the circuit.

Sergey Vorobyev & Richard Cregan brief the Media
The 2014 FORMULA 1 RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX promoter Sergey Vorobyev and the Consultant to the Grand Prix, Richard Cregan today briefed the media on a variety of subjects from ticket sales, to safety measures and future plans for the new circuit.

Addressing the safety issue in light of Jules Bianchi's dreadful accident last weekend in Japan, Richard Cregan stated that, "First of all our thoughts are with Jules and his family". He went on to stress the great levels Sochi Autodrom has gone to ensure that all safety precautions are in place this weekend, declaring, "we have met all FIA regulations at least, usually exceeded. Of course, the events in Japan have shown that the work never ends in terms of safety…But again, we believe we are well prepared", before adding, "We are always looking at ways to improve safety".

Both men were delighted with the progress of ticket sales, with Vorobyev confirming that of the 55,000 tickets put on sale, only 2,000 remained. Furthermore, in a sign of the growing interest in F1 in Russia, he was particularly pleased at the rate of sale of Paddock Club tickets, stating that, ""The demand for the Paddock Club tickets has grown very steadily over the past month". Clearly satisfied with the work done so far, the Race Promoter was confident of a successful weekend, stressing that ""There is a sincere belief in what we are doing here, it is a very thought out project".

Pressed as to the future plans for Sochi Autodrom, both men were effusive about the great work that they feel is still to come. Vorobyev was eager to focus on the many advantages that are already in place for Sochi, stating. "We have a world-class infrastructure here, we have a great landscape with mountains and the sea nearby. Even at this time of year, you can still jump into the sea if you feel like it. We have also received permission to operate casinos again; this is an added incentive for race visitors. We see the rise of Daniil Kvyat with Red Bull as another positive, as it will spark a greater interest in Formula 1 in Russia. We would therefore hope to keep increasing the attendance figures year after year."

Richard Cregan was quick to add that "We're close to getting approval to keep the circuit open all year round which is huge in terms of attracting international racing series. The goal here is to have five or six major events per year here."

At the end of the day, what were their main hopes for this weekend? "The most important thing is that when people leave on Sunday, they'll want to come back!" said Cregan.

Formula 1 Drivers' Press Conference
The traditional Thursday Formula 1 drivers' press conference took place today place today with specially chosen drivers answering the media's questions ahead of this weekend's inaugural Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix.

Felipe Massa was visibly emotional when discussing last weekend's tragic accident in which Jules Bianchi suffered life-threatening injuries but stated that he still wanted to race in Sochi "and do his best for him, and for his family". He went on to describe the race in Japan as "the worst race of my life…worse than the race of my accident that I can't remember…It was a very difficult weekend for all of us."

Fernando Alonso also outlined his desire to race for Bianchi this weekend, commenting, "I am ready to race, and to race for him".

Russian driver Daniil Kvyat, although clearly proud to be racing in his home country, was more concerned with the wellbeing of his colleague, saying, "I really wish for him to recover – it is the only thing that matters"

McLaren's Jenson Button was also present and said: "It is a horrible feeling to know what one of your fellow-drivers went through and is going through – most important is that we wish him well and our thoughts are with him."

Adrian Sutil, who was present when Bianchi's accident occurred also reflected on the difficult last few days for the sport: "We just have to pray now – and to hope, that is all we can do"

Autograph Sessions:
The first official day of the 2014 FORMULA 1 RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX saw the excitement levels go through the roof when thousands of fans came face to face with their heroes on the Sochi Autodrom Main Stage during the traditional Grand Prix weekend Autograph Sessions. The Mercedes AMG Petronas, McLaren Mercedes, Williams Martini Racing, Infiniti Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Ferrari drivers were all present this afternoon to meet and greet their many adoring fans.