The inaugural Russian Grand Prix takes place this weekend in Sochi. Here is a quick preview as to what we can expect from the all new street circuit:
Race Information:
Track: Sochi Autodrom
Number of Laps: 53
Circuit Length: 3.6 miles (5.8km)
Race Length: 192.5 miles (309.7km)
Tyre Compounds: Soft, Medium, Intermediate, Wet
Race Preview:
Formula 1 will go into this back to back race worried about the condition of Jules Bianchi, who suffered a diffuse axonal brain injury last week at Suzuka after crashing into a recovery vehicle.
It isn’t known if Marussia are going to participate in this event – their home race and the first Russian F1 Grand Prix – but BBC pit lane reporter Jennie Gow reported that they were at the circuit and are setting up two cars. It is likely that Alexander Rossi will take over Bianchi’s car for the rest of the season.
At the other end of the field, the Mercedes duo of Hamilton and Rosberg are favourites to go head to head to take victory at Sochi, with Rosberg desperate to end Hamilton’s momentum streak that has seen the Brit extend his championship lead to ten points with just four races to go.
Soon to be Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat will be at his home grand prix and already has a grandstand named after him. During FP1, however, another Russian will be taking part. Sergey Sirotkin will be replacing one of the Sauber drivers for the first session, with the team considering hiring him in a full time role next year.
Williams will be ones to watch, with the slippery FW36 faster even than the mighty Mercedes in a straight line. Should the Mercs have a problem, they will need to keep checking their mirrors. Both Bottas and Massa are desperate to take a win this year. This might be another good chance for them.
A bit of a quirky stat coming into this race: This is the first Russian Grand Prix for 100 years. The previous two, the only others, were both won by drivers of Benz cars – I’m sure Mercedes will be looking to continue that trend.
Comments.
Loading comments…