Daniil Kvyat says home race is “always a pleasure” in Sochi
F1 News
- Bevan Youl
Daniil Kvyat has said that returning to his home race at the Russian Grand Prix is “always a pleasure” as the Toro Rosso driver will race in front of his country for the first time since 2017.
Kvyat last raced in Russia back in 2017 for Toro Rosso when the Sochi race took part earlier on in the Formula 1 calendar.
But after being dropped by the team and taking a role as Ferrari development driver for 2018 the Russian hasn’t appeared in front of his home fans for some time.
The double weekend of Singapore and Russia has kept the 25-year old busy without much time for a break to prepare for the weekend ahead.
“It’s a back-to-back race with Singapore so pretty much arrived to Moscow for one day, got a little break, and then here on Wednesday,” said Kvyat.
“Had a bit of an event yesterday evening, you know, the usual stuff at the home grand prix and yeah, today just a bit busier than usual, but it’s always a pleasure for your home grand prix, so it’s OK.”
Kvyat is hoping to see many fans turn out in the stands for the race on Sunday, believing that “people love Formula 1” in Russia.
“Well, I haven’t seen too many fans yet, but we’ll see tonight during the autograph session,” he added.
“Yes, I was doing the track walk and a few people definitely were quite excited.
“I think people love Formula 1 here and it’s quite good to see for me.
“I hope to see a lot of people in the grandstands on Sunday and Saturday, it would mean a lot to me. It would mean also that motor sport in Russia is growing a lot and obviously I’m happy to contribute.”