Mazepin confident Russian GP will go ahead

Nikita Mazepin is confident the Russian Grand Prix will take place as planned despite sanctions against the country being introduced by numerous NATO allies.

F1 is due to race in Sochi on September 25 but the ongoing crisis on the Ukrainian border has cast the event into doubt., with Russian President Vladimir Putin recognising the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk.

UEFA has already confirmed it is "monitoring the situation" with regard to the Champions League final with Saint Petersburg due to host the showpiece event.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Mazepin was asked if he was still hopeful the race would go ahead in Sochi, replying: "Of course.

"From the understanding that we have had with Formula 1, the race is going ahead and you will surely see me there."

GPFans understands that F1 also expects the race will take place as planned.

Mazepin was limited to just 20 laps in the morning session with his best time over four seconds off pacesetter Charles Leclerc.

"Sometimes simulation doesn't match real life," explained Mazepin. "The cars are so on the edge of technology that sometimes reliability is a weak point.

"I just hope that the performance is there and it looks like it is."

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