F1 Russian Grand Prix Preview

The Sochi Autodrome will host its second Russian Grand Prix this weekend. The 5.8km circuit, designed by Herman Tilke, has a mixture of both high-speed corners and low-speed technical sections, particularly in the final sector which sees a tricky, curved braking zone after the DRS zone.

Mercedes go into this weekend with the potential to win the constructor’s championship, as they did last year. However, unlike last year, they also enter Russia with fears of their tyre pressure issues rearing their head again. The pressures are the same as they were in Japan: 21.5psi for the front tyres and 20.5psi for the rears – 2.5psi higher than 2014.

Although mechanical grip is not as vital as it is around the Marina Bay Circuit, where Mercedes previously encountered this problem, it will still hinder the Silver Arrows somewhat, especially since the soft and supersoft tyres are being used – the same compounds that were used in Singapore.

Using those softer compounds means more pit stops, so we won’t be seeing what Nico Rosberg did last year and doing all bar one lap on a single set of tyres, after heavily flatspotting his tyres into turn 2 in a bid to pass his team mate.

It could be said that these compounds will play into Ferrari’s hands, as they look after their tyres better than the Mercedes does, which could put them in contention for the win if the Germans do indeed encounter tyre pressure woes.

However, Maurizio Arrivabene has admitted that the low-grip nature of the circuit, as the circuit has only been in use for a year, will make things difficult for the team to guarantee they can mount an attack for the top step of the podium. It’s all to play for then.

Last year Williams put in a strong performance, specifically with Valtteri Bottas who challenged for pole position before running wide at the final corner; throwing away the lap. They should be leading the ‘Best of the Rest’ field, with Red Bull battling Toro Rosso and Force India in the midfield battle.

Nico Hulkenberg was the man scoring big for Force India in Japan, but Sergio Perez will want to reassert himself after a poor race, having been the innocent victim of a first corner collision. The Force Indias will have the advantage over their competitors on the straights, but in the corners it could be a different story.

McLaren are, most likely, in for another weekend of pain. In ordinary circumstances, you would have to expect them to be outside the points. The Honda power unit will be holding them back on the straights and, despite Jenson Button praising the work of aerodynamicist Peter Prodromou, the car still needs work in the corners, although they could show strong in the technical final sector, particularly with drivers who have the skill of Button and Alonso.

At the back of the field, Manor will see the return of Roberto Merhi alongside Will Stevens. Alexander Rossi will be competing in GP2 this weekend, so the Spaniard will be getting his seat back for this weekend and the finale in Abu Dhabi.

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