Russian Prime Minister and former president, Vladimir Putin, is a man of great influence. Whenever he says something, people tend to listen.

So when Putin told investors that an agreement has been signed for Russia, particularly the city of Sochi, to host at least seven Formula One->ke190 GPs, you can pretty much take that to the bank.

According to Ria Novosti, a state news agency, Putin was on hand to tell investors during a meeting at Sochi that “an agreement with the organizing company has been reached to host the 2014 Russian Grand Prix at the Black Sea resort town." Incidentally, Sochi will also be hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone added: "I sincerely hope that the Formula One is going to play a big part in what I can see happening in Sochi. I'm sure the circuit can be a super circuit. It's all the things we need and wanted, and we are very happy."

Putin added that plans to build a world class racing circuit at the Black Sea resort city would need the organization of a management company, which Putin stressed should be comprised of private national companies. A number of companies have already come forward in investing for the 200 million race track, including oil company Lukoil, the state-run Rostekhnologil, and cell phone carrier Megafon,.

While the return of Formula One in Russia is already signed, sealed, and delivered, the hope for most Russians is to eventually field a Russian team in the world’s most prestigious racing series.

Russian supercar maker Marussia has already bared its plans of entering Formula One in 2012 and if all things fall into place, we could very well see a Russian outfit racing in its home race two years later.

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