The party atmosphere around the Sochi Autodrom was similar to that of the Winter Olympics when Formula 1 rolled into town. The grandstands were full and the crowds enjoyed all the entertainment on offer over the weekend which included a concert by Lenny Kravitz on Saturday evening and a display of over seventy stunning sports cars from all eras presented by Gorky Classic.

On race day President Putin made time in his schedule to meet the Opus team to look through the Formula 1 Opus and to closely study the original signatures of all the World Champions that have signed the special signature sheet. Karl Fowler explained to President Putin how the exhilarating story of F1 racing is illustrated in the Opus. President Putin was delighted to receive his F1 Opus as belated birthday gift being presented on behalf of Mr Ecclestone and team Opus.