Russia’s newest and most modern circuit, Igora Drive is an impressive facility located around 60 kilometres to the north of Saint Petersburg.

Reportedly financed by close ally of President Vladimir Putin, Yury Kovalchuk, the circuit opened in 2019 adjacent to the Igora ski resort.

Designed by Hermann Tilke, construction began in 2016 on the 4.1 km circuit, and by Autumn 2019 the facility was ready to open.

The circuit was set to host DTM in its first full season of operation, but the COVID-19 put paid to those plans.

It was then set to host Formula One from 2023, the deal announced in the summer of 2021. A new 1 km southern loop had been built in 2021 in time for the 2022 season, in anticipation of the single seaters arriving.

However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine put paid to those plans when Formula One terminated its contract in the wake of the war.

In the absence of top international motorsport, the circuit has had to make do with hosting the national Russian Circuit Racing Series instead.