As Formula One travels to Sochi for the inaugural Russian Grand Prix, we take a look at Russia's endeavours in Formula One and what Russians have contributed to the sport.
Vitaly Petrov
The former Renault and Lotus driver was the first Russian to ever race in Formula One. He made his debut for Renault in 2010 in Bahrain. He made 57 starts during his three year career. He only managed one podium, at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix after having an impressive race. He is technically the first Russian driver in Formula One as there was a Russian driver for Ferrari, named Igor Troubetzkoy, in 1948, which was before the Formula One World Championship officially started.
Of course Petrov is most famous arguably due to him holding up Ferrari's Fernando Alonso at the final race of the 2010 seaaon in Abu Dhabi. Petrov moved ahead of Alonso when the Spaniard pitted, and Petrov frustrated the two time World Champion and this meant that Alonso lost the title to Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel.
Daniil Kvyat
Russia's second driver, Kvyat is only in his debut season but is already making huge waves in Formula One. The Toro Rosso ace has shown promise this season, and that's why Red Bull have promoted him to replace the departing Sebastian Vettel. A member of the junior Red Bull programme, Kvyat looks set to have a long career in Formula One, and will easily become Russia's most successful driver.
His rise to the pinnacle of motorsport has been astronomical. He started his career in Karting in 2009, finishing third in the KF3 European Championship. For 2010 he made the step to Formula BMW and he signed on to the Red Bull Junior Programme. After a couple of years in Formula Renault, Kvyat moved to the GP3 Series, unfortunately he wasn't registered early enough for him to be eligible for points, but despite this Kvyat performed amazingly, securing his fast track move to F1, skipping the main feeder series GP2.
Marussia
The only Russian team on the grid, Marussia are one of the backmarkers of Formula One. Locked in a perennial battle with rivals Caterham, Marussia look to have gained the upper hand this season with Jules Bianchi's brilliant ninth place finish at Monaco. Formerly Virgin Racing, Marussia joined the grid in 2011 as Marussia Virgin Racing, and became Marussia in 2012.
Based in the UK at Banbury, Marussia have never really shocked the Formula One world, although in 2012 at a Spa Costless Practice, a Marussia car managed to sit on the top of the timesheets. Charles Pic finished top with Timo Glock sixth, albeit only 10 drivers set times due to horrible conditions.
Russia don't have a sparkling record in Formula One, but with the first ever Russian Grand Prix on Sunday, perhaps their history will grow more successful.