Russian Formula 1 chiefs deny clash complications with Sochi 2014

RUSSIAN Grand Prix chiefs have moved to allay fears that the Black Sea resort city of Sochi is not capable of hosting the nation's inaugural Formula 1 race and the 2014 Winter Olympics in the same year.

IT'S A DEAL: Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone confirmed a deal with Vladimir Putin to take Formula 1 to Russia earlier this year

Last month, International Olympic Committee representatives raised concerns that hosting the Winter Olympics, in venues being entirely built from scratch, in February 2014 just a few months before Sochi welcomes the Formula 1 race.

Sochi 2014 officials have lauded Sochi's ability to host major sporting events as well as pointing to the tournaments coming to the rest of Russia, including the 2013 World Athletics Championships in Moscow and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

But the IOC felt compelled to write to the Russian Grand Prix and seek assurances that the proximity of the events will not impinge on Sochi 2014.

But the Mayor of Sochi Anatoly Pakhomov insists preparations are well on course for the Formula 1 event.

"There is every intention to ensure that the F1 race will go ahead as planned in 2014," Pakhomov said.

"The specific requirements of managing the two events together is being studied carefully at present as the committee working to oversee the successful implementation of the Olympics becomes fully integrated with the committee being set up to orchestrate the F1 race which is still in its formative stage.

"However, I don't foresee any slippage of the race into 2015 being necessary."

Formula 1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone agreed a deal with Vladimir Putin to take F1 to Russia in 2014 for the first time earlier this year.

And Pakhomov said he expected the F1 track to be mostly finished in 2013, with the finishing touches put in place once the Olympics have been completed.

"Of course there are some more specific features that will need to be added upon the completion of the Olympic Games such as run-off areas, catch fencing etc," he added.

"But we foresee the base requirements of the track being completed approximately one year prior to the first race being held."