Russia to join F1 circuit

An official statement is expected this week announcing that Moscow will stage a Formula One grand prix from 2003.

F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone is understood to be in the Russian capital for the announcement.

The news comes just weeks after the Moscow authorities gave the final go-ahead for the £66million project on the city's Nagatino Island.

An agreement was drawn up last year between Tom Walkinshaw's Oxfordshire-based TWR outfit and representatives of Moscow city council to build the facility.

Days after that deal was signed there was an attempt on the life of Josif Ordzhonikidze, the deputy mayor who negotiated it, although it is believed the assassination attempt had nothing to do with the F1 project.

Moscow will be the first new grand prix venue since Malaysia in 1999 although Indianapolis returned to the calendar in 2000.

The addition will inevitably raise questions as to which current venue will make way or whether the schedule will be extended to 18 races.

Most teams have been opposed to an increase in the number of races.

Germany and Italy currently host two grands prix each although there is bound to be opposition if either of the Nurburgring or Hockenheim in Germany or Monza and Imola in Italy are to be dropped.