The event, which also involved Russia's Marussia Virgin, attracted a crowd of more than 40,000, including the country's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak, who watched the event around a 1,600 metre circuit in the city centre on newly relaid roads. 

Among those who took part were top Russian drivers Vitaly Petrov, who represents Lotus Renault Formula One, and Yevgeny Novikov, the country's top rally driver.

"It means a lot to be involved in an activity like this in my home country with my home fans," said Petrov.

"F1 is getting bigger and bigger in Russia, and to be able to showcase [the sport] in front of motorsport lovers is a great thing for the sport and, of course, the Sochi race in 2014.

"I can't wait!"

Krasnodar Region Governor Alexander Tkachev hailed the success of the event, which he claimed brought the dream of hosting a Formula One event in Russia closer to reality.

"I know for sure that millions of Russians have always wanted their country to host Formula One events," he said.

Construction on the six-kilometre course in the Olympic Park to be used for the debut race - which may be delayed until 2015 if it interferes with preparations for the 2014 Games - is due to begin in August.

"Such a race will be an interesting event in an interesting place," said Boullier.

"The Formula Sochi Festival was a great opportunity to help build the profile of Formula One in Russia.

"The sport has already taken a big leap in popularity in Russia with the arrival of Vitaly to the sport; the fact that he was able to secure a podium at the beginning of the season has only helped push the sport even more in that part of the world.

"I'm delighted that Vitaly is in Sochi to show the fans what F1 and Lotus Renault GP was all about."

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