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Ecclestone 'very impressed' with Sochi

ESPN Staff
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Bernie Ecclestone says it's too late to arrange a 20th grand prix in 2013 © Press Association
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Bernie Ecclestone says he is "very impressed" with the ongoing work at Sochi ahead of its hosting of the 2014 Russian Grand Prix.

The race will take place next year after Sochi hosts the 2014 Winter Olympics, with the track using part of the Olympic Park access roads. Having visited the city along with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin this week, Ecclestone said he was happy with the progress being made on the facilities.

"Everything seems very good," Ecclestone told The National. "[Putin] seems delighted with the Olympics and the Formula One. It was good. I was very impressed with what they have done."

Ecclestone also confirmed there is likely to be 19 races in 2013 after admitting it is too late to arrange a 20th race.

"The calendar has been formed already, it's too late," Ecclestone said before adding he was "disappointed that it didn't happen before; we can't suddenly slot it in".

The 2013 calendar does have a slot for an unconfirmed European race on July 21, but planned hosts Turkey failed to produce the necessary funding to pay the race fee.

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