The Russian stage of the Formula 1 ended today in Sochi. This year, the Russian Grand Prix was won by Mercedes driver, Valtteri Bottas of Finland. He received the cup directly from Vladimir Putin. And here, under the roar of racing cars, the President held a meeting on the organization of summer holidays in the south of Russia. In the next few days, a cruise ship will start operating between Sochi and Crimea. Our report-from Pavel Zarubin. The culminating moment of Formula 1.
The winner of the race, Valtteri Bottas, pours champagne over everyone around him and, of course, himself. 150,000 fans came to Sochi to see the Formula 1 Grand Prix. They are just delighted to have the royal race back in Russia once again. How are you feeling? Excellent! Sochi! The racetrack! The heat! What was once just a dream, is again a reality in Russia for everyone to see. I’ve been a fan since 1999 and I am glad that at last I can see it on my native land. More, more tracks! In other cities in Russia!
The fans screamed when Putin came to the podium. He gave out the prizes to the winners. The President of Russia. Today’s stars and legends of Formula 1 are just delighted by the fact that the race is in Sochi once again. It’s great! I think everyone likes coming here, and the weather is excellent. It’s very beautiful here. The other day I was in Moscow, and Moscow is also amazing. But here, there's a clear, blue sky. It's a paradise in Russia.
This year, Formula 1 has become even more spectacular and even more dangerous. The cars are now wider, longer and faster. The fact that the tires are wider now can be seen with the naked eye. This improves traction, and therefore, dramatically increases the speed. On the turns, the speed of the racing cars increased by 40 kilometers per hour. These innovations were adopted by Formula 1's new management. They were also impressed with all the advantages offered by Sochi. We are very impressed with the city. It has a great location. The sea is on the one side, snow-capped mountains are on the other. Yesterday we went to the casino, and I came back with money. Are you pleased with how everything has been organized? Do you have any questions or recommendations?
The track, including the entire infrastructure, is made to the highest specifications, everything here has been made for athletes and motor sport fans. I'm actually surprised at what I see. There are no free rooms left in any of the hotels. Although, it seems that we built too many hotels. They're all full.. I always have fun here. I always have good memories from Sochi. Everything is perfect! We have been here from the very beginning and everything is very well organized. The track is interesting. I like coming here. A garage with the Russian flag.
Daniil Kvyat from Russia is a member of the Toro Rosso team. This is his race car. These are his last preparations for the race. It was Daniil Kvyat whom, for obvious reasons, the fans most actively supported before the race. It is important to pay attention to tire wear. Because it's hot? It's hot, and for us these are not the most favorable conditions, the car skidded quite a bit this weekend. Kvyat finished 12th. It became more difficult for the drivers to drive the cars because of the new rules. The experts say the surface of the track is excellent.
During Formula 1 in Sochi, the weather was summer-like and really hot. Sochi's racetrack is literally boiling over from the sun and dozens of racing cars. This is the so-called paddock. The teams are preparing for the race. After the training sessions, the tires were renewed and cleaned, and the treads look just beautiful. Formula-1 participants treat tires like living organisms. They are connected to many sensors that track temperature, pressure and their general condition.
A long-term partner of Formula 1, the Pirelli company, which produces tires, has been working in Russia for many years, without having to worry about any sanctions. What is the amount of total investment made up to today? About 450 million euros. And how many workers do you have? Approximately 4,500 people. Are you satisfied with their level of qualification? It’s at a very high level; we are satisfied. Many members of the Russian government, including Prime Minister Medvedev, came to Sochi. Formula 1 held in Russia will be making audiences happy for many years to come.
The contract was extended until 2025. The number of fans is growing. As I said, there is not a single free hotel room in Sochi. It’s good! Those who come to Sochi on vacation in summer will be able to travel to Crimea from here not only by plane, but also by sea. On the instructions of the President, a cruise ship will begin operating. This task has been completed along the route Sochi-Novorossiysk-Yalta-Sevastopol. And now it's getting underway? Yes, it is. Beginning June 11, there will be regular cruises. It two days, we have sold more than 300 tickets for the summer period.
The total capacity is 940 passengers? 960 passengers. Sochi, as promised earlier, has become a truly year-round resort. Sea, mountains, sun, snow, car racing. Everything is in one place.
