Ecclestone Says Sponsors ‘Appear To Be Happy’ Ahead Of Russian Grand Prix

Ecclestone and his good friend Vladimir Putin

F1 "risks political condemnation" when Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a personal appearance at the inaugural Russian Grand Prix on Sunday, according to Kevin Eason of the LONDON TIMES.

The race, "held during outrage over Russia's involvement in Ukraine, is already treading on sensitive territory, but Putin's expected arrival at the venue in the Olympic Park built for the Sochi Winter Games could spark censure around the world."

A grand prix, "beamed across the globe" on TV, is the "ultimate birthday present for Putin," who turned 62 on Tuesday.

F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, "a close friend of Putin's," is "unrepentant about the staging of the race while the conflict in Ukraine continues." Ecclestone: "We are happy, the sponsors appear to be happy, so we carry on. No one has spoken to me about this race or told me that we cannot go. The sanctions do not affect us and what we are doing is not illegal" London Times