Marcello Lotti, the general manager of World Touring Car Championship promoters KSO, has revealed that he expects a decision to be taken 'soon' over the possibility of a Russian round of the series.

Lotti travelled to Moscow along with WTCC drivers Rickard Rydell, Alain Menu, James Thompson, Jaap van Lagen, Viktor Shapovolav, Andrey Romanov and Russian racer Kirill Ladygin – who will join the Russian Bears Motorsport team for the final four rounds of the 2008 campaign.

The purpose of the trip was to meet with the Russian National Sporting Authority, the RAF, and the top managers from LADA Avtovaz to discuss the possibility of a race in Russia in 2010 and Lotti admitted that it was a 'priority' to ensure that a race now takes place.

"To include Russia in the 2010 calendar is our priority and we are all working towards that goal," he said. "The most likely scenario is racing on a street circuit, and we have been presented two or three alternatives, including Moscow.

"A decision will be taken soon."

Viktor Kiryanov, president of the RAF, said the national authority was fully behind the proposals and said that any race would be used to help boost awareness of road safety.

"We fully support the idea of organising top level motorsport events in Russia," he said. "In WTCC drivers race cars similar to those we use each day.

"It will be interesting for motorsport fans; furthermore this event will attract attention and highlight the campaign to raise awareness of road safety."

The possibility of a Russian race being realised could increase if LADA enters the series as a works outfit next season, with speculation suggesting that the new Priora will be run as a manufacturer entry.