Motorsports Governing Body FIA Says Sochi Is Ready For Its First F1 GP Oct. 12

F1 Race Dir Charlie Whiting has confirmed Russia's new Sochi Autodrom has "passed its inspection ahead of its maiden Russian Grand Prix" on Oct. 12, according to ESPN. The track, built on the site of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, "was inspected by an FIA delegation led by Whiting on Tuesday." Whiting: "The circuit is in extremely good condition and -- yes -- it will be issued with a license. Everything has been done according to the plans" (ESPN, 8/20). AUTOSPORT reported Whiting added that he "did not feel another visit to the track was necessary before the October event." Russian GP promoter Sergey Vorobyev said, "Now that Sochi Autodrom has received a license, everything else is up to the organizers of the events and as such we are working intensely on ensuring that all aspects of the event are fully prepared" (AUTOSPORT, 8/20).