Bernie still eyes Russia

Bernie Ecclestone has not given up on hauling his F1 circus to Russia. The F1 supremo, 74, tried – and nearly succeeded – in a bid for a grand prix in Moscow a couple of years back. He told the New York Times last week: ''My theory is, Go East, young man, not Go West.''

''Countries like Russia and places like Moscow are important to us.''

Hungary's event just outside of Europe, which arrived on the calendar in 1986, is still the only grand prix behind Europe's old 'iron curtain'. The Hungaroring will host F1 at least until 2011.

Certainly, Russia-born F1 team owner Alex Shnaider hopes his homeland breaks through. He said: ''The middle class is becoming bigger and wealthier as the economy is developing, and obviously the demand for cars has been increasing.''