Vettel tries full Sochi F1 layout

Sebastian Vettel has become the first Formula 1 driver to lap the new Sochi circuit, which will host October's Russian Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver headed to Sochi after the Belgian GP and completed several laps of the track driving an Infiniti road car.

Based around the athletes' village used for the Winter Olympics earlier this year, the Hermann Tilke-designed track was passed ready for its first race by the FIA's Charlie Whiting earlier this month.

"Having driven the full circuit for the first time in the Infiniti Q50 today, it's an interesting layout with a good mix of high-speed corners and technical sections," said Vettel. "It's going to be a huge challenge in a Formula 1 car and I'm really looking forward to coming back in October."

This will be the first time Russia has hosted an F1 race, although two races carrying the Russian GP title were held in 1913-'14.

The Russian GP will be staged on Oct. 12 around the 3.637-mile, 18-corner track.