F1 heads to the Sochi Autodrom this weekend for the 4th consecutive running of the Russian Grand Prix. Set among former Olympic venues, only 1.1 miles of the 3.6 mile Tilke-designed street circuit is shared with public roads.
Toro Rosso Honda are expecting a lackluster weekend as they wait for both engine and aerodynamic updates to be delivered. There is some speculation that Honda could introduce its latest engine this weekend so it could be used penalty-free at its home race in Japan but those rumors have yet to be corroborated, pointing to a United States introduction of a comprehensive update to the whole car. Having one car in the points would be a good weekend for the team.
Elsewhere on the grid, this will be a pivotal weekend for Ferrari to get its strategy calls right and not make any errors on track as further luck and brinkmanship by Mercedes could put both driver’s and constructor’s titles out of reach. Expect Red Bull to be on the hunt for a podium although it will require some good strategy from the team. Following the front runners we can expect a tight battle between a Renault, a Haas (who are seeking a return-to-form), and a Force India. Sauber will be chasing this group and McLaren will be chasing Sauber. As we’ve grown to expect in 2018, Williams will finish at the back of the pack.
US TV SCHEDULE
Practice 1 – Friday, Sept. 28, 3:55 AM –
ESPNU
Practice 2 – Friday, Sept. 28, 7:55 AM –
ESPNU
Practice 3 – Saturday, Sept. 29, 4:55 AM – ESPN2
Qualifying – Saturday, Sept. 29, 7:55 AM – ESPN2
On The Grid – Sunday, Sept. 30, 6:30 AM – ESPN2
Race – Sunday, Sept. 30, 7:05 AM – ESPN2
Encore – Sunday, Sept. 30, 8:30 PM –
ESPNEWS
CIRCUIT INFO
Direction: Clockwise
Turns: 19
Race laps: 53
Lap Distance: 5.848km (3.637 mi)
Race Distance: 310km
Longest Straight: 1073m
Top Speed: 336kph
Average Speed: 210kph
Altitude: 3m above sea level
Lap Record: 1:36.844, Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 2017
Downforce Level: Medium
Cooling Requirement: Low
Fuel Consumption: 1.84kg/lap
Typical Strategy: 1 Stop Race
Pitlane Length: 330m
2017 RESULTS
Race Info.
Pole: Sebastian Vettel, 1:33.194
Race laps: 53
Fast race lap: Kimi Raikkonen, 1:36.844
Podium
1. Valtteri Bottas – Mercedes
2. Sebastian Vettel – Ferrari
3. Kimi Raikonnen – Ferrari
CURRENT STANDINGS
Drivers
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 281
2. Sebastian Vettel, Scuderia Ferrari, 241
3. Kimi Raikkonen, Scuderia Ferrari, 174
4. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 171
5. Max Verstappen, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, 148
6. Daniel Ricciardo, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, 126
7. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault Sport F1, 53
8. Fernando Alonso, McLaren Renault, 50
9. Kevin Magnussen, Haas, 49
10. Sergio Perez, Force India, 46
Constructors
1. Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 452
2. Scuderia Ferrari, 415
3. Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, 274
4. Renault Sport F1, 91
5. Haas, 76
6. McLaren Renault, 58
7. Racing Point Force India, 32
8. Toro Rosso, 30
9. Alfa Romeo Sauber, 21
10. Williams Martini Racing, 7
Reply