Grosjean wins Moscow ice race

Romain Grosjean overcame European Rallycross champion Timur Timerzyanov to win the annual Race of Stars ice-racing event in Moscow on Sunday.

The Lotus Formula 1 driver came to Russia direct from Bahrain testing as the guest of honour in the 25th Race of Stars, organized by Za Rulem magazine.

This year's competition was on the verge of cancellation because of a long thaw period. It was subsequently altered to a time-trial event rather than the usual wheel-to-wheel battle for safety reasons.

Grosjean, who has some Andros Trophy ice racing experience from his F1 career hiatus in 2010, beat two-time rallycross champion Timerzyanov by six seconds in their three-lap duel in Renault Dusters.

"I'm looking forward to returning to Russia for the race in Sochi," said Grosjean. "It's always nice to have new venues in Formula 1. I've been there for a promotional event and I'm looking forward to discovering the racetrack.

"I'm sure with Russian driver [Daniil] Kvyat now in F1, the Sunday will be a good crowd, which is important."

In the main progam, former Lada factory driver Vladimir Sheshenin won for the first time after many favourites ran into difficulties at artificial chicanes added to the Moscow hippodrome oval.