Bottas hoping to save race circuit from collapse

Valtteri Bottas is helping save the KymiRing circuit in his native Finland from collapse, after it recently declared bankruptcy.

The facility was completed in 2019 and can host both MotoGP and Formula 1 races, but the track was hit with issues when it tried to host its first events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plans to run races behind closed doors were also scuppered due to the incomplete pit and paddock complex.

A revival for the project was planned for 2022, with MotoGP set for a debut in 2023. But when the Russian-Ukraine war broke out in February it led to breakdown in supply chains and political tensions as Finland declared its intention to join NATO.

The track has since not been homologated by the FIA officially, and now ongoing financial problems have pushed the circuit into bankruptcy.

Bottas says he has held discussions with the circuit to see if he can help get the project back on track.

"I would love to see proper track in Finland, an international-level track," he told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"But the thing is that track company is now bankrupt. So, it's not going to be an easy way back from that."

Reports state that the KymiRing owes €25 million and has outstanding costs relating to the cancellation of events, including the MotoGP race and Nitro Rallycross and World Motocross who had to reschedule events.

"I've been in touch with them to see if there's anything I can help or do something. That's all it's been, just talks. But it's not easy," said Bottas.

"Finland, as a location has a decent winter, which means at least no driving in the winter. So let's see. I'll see if there is any opportunities."