Sochi to be 10th round on 2020 Formula 2 calendar

Formula 2 will return to the Sochi Autodrom in Russia this year to take the championship’s revised 2020 calendar up to 10 rounds.

The delays caused to the Formula 1 season as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic also heavily impacted on F2’s plans, forcing the support series to make changes to its original schedule.

F2 subsequently announced that it would support F1 at the first nine races of the revised 2020 calendar, which began with back-to-back races in Austria and a third consecutive race taking place in Hungary.

Races at Silverstone, Barcelona, Spa, Monza and Mugello have also been confirmed, and on Wednesday, a 10th round at Sochi on 25-27 September at the Russian Grand Prix was officially added to the calendar.

More events are expected to be added to the 2020 F2 calendar, with the series noting that the remainder of the schedule is “to be confirmed in due course”. A total of 12 events took place last year.

The addition of Sochi is an important milestone for F2 as it ensures that the series will retain its FIA championship status this year by meeting the 10-round minimum requirement.

"This announcement is very good news," said F2 CEO Bruno Michel.

"First of all, it means that we now have 10 rounds confirmed for 2020. That's very positive for everyone involved in the championship.

"Moreover, we currently have three Russian drivers on the grid, with Robert Shwartzman currently leading in the standings. For this reason as well, it's great to be bringing F2 to Sochi.”

Russia has held F2 races since 2014 and Sochi was the scene of Nick de Vries’ championship coronation in 2019, as well as being the venue that the Formula 3 title was clinched.