Feb.26 (GMM) The former manager of formula one circuits in Austria and Bahrain has been appointed to oversee the construction of a F1-standard venue near Moscow.

Hans Geist will lead the project that is to take place 80 kilometres west of Moscow, in the town of Volokolamsk, although it is not definite that the venue will bid to host a grand prix.

F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly keener to bring his sport to St. Petersburg, while the Volokolamsk venue intends to play host to DTM and MotoGP races when it is ready in 2010.

"The track will be designed by Hermann Tilke to formula one standards. But the operator may not necessarily have a grand prix, even if the opportunity would be accepted if presented," Geist told the Austrian newspaper Salzburger Nachrichten.