10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Russian Grand Prix

Just a few days after the unfortunate and sad end to the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, the F1 paddock moves on to Russia with Jules Bianchi firmly in everyone’s thoughts. Here are 10 things you might not know about the Russian Grand Prix:

1. A fresh face

This weekend will see the inaugural Russian Grand Prix take place. A race in the country has been discussed for quite some time, but it will finally happen in 2014 at the Sochi Autodrom.

2. Famous location

The circuit winds its way around the Sochi Olympic Park, which hosted the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in February. The layout passes venues like the Medal Plaza, Bolshoy Ice Dome (which hosted the ice hockey competitions) and the Adler Arena Skating Centre.

3. Ready in time

Construction on the circuit started mid-way through 2011. Designed by Hermann Tilke, the final layer of asphalt was completed on the 1st August 2014. FIA race director Charlie Whiting gave it his approval later in the month after inspecting the track, and it was officially opened on September 20th.

4. Home heroes

Only two F1 drivers from Russia have previously competed in Formula 1. Vitaly Petrov raced between 2010 and 2012 for Renault/Lotus and Caterham, while Daniil Kvyat (who will race for Red Bull Racing next season) is currently in his rookie campaign with Toro Rosso. He even has a grandstand – located at turn four – named after him.

5. Teams’ title edges closer

Mercedes could wrap up the constructors’ championship this weekend in Sochi. The Brackley-based outfit currently has a 190-point lead over Red Bull Racing in the standings, and needs 25 points to secure the title.

6. Back in the day

Whilst the 2014 Russian GP is the first to be included in the F1 calendar, two previous Grand Prix have taken place in the country. The event was run in 1913 and 1914 at a circuit in St. Petersburg, with Georgy Suvorin and Willy Scholl taking the wins – both driving for Benz. It was abandoned following the outbreak of the First World War and was not continued.

7. A step into the unknown

A new race and circuit provides plenty of challenges for F1 drivers and teams. The 2014 grid will have very little knowledge of the track layout, with most of them only managing a session or two in the simulator. The first laps in FP1 will be tentative, but they will soon get comfortable.

Teams will arrive in Sochi with limited amounts of data, which will make preparations very tricky. High downforce levels are expected to be needed, while – according to Formula1.com – the projected average speed is 215km/h and the predicted lap time is a 1:36.9.

8. Support series

The GP2 Series will return to the track this weekend as a support championship for Formula 1. The popular category has enjoyed a classic 2014 season so far, with some fantastic and dramatic races. British driver Jolyon Palmer currently has a 41-point lead in the standings over Felipe Nasr with two rounds remaining.

Meanwhile, the GP3 Series will also be in action at the Sochi Autodrom, before the 2014 season comes to a close – like GP2 – in Abu Dhabi next month. Alex Lynn currently leads the championship by 50 points from Richie Stanaway.

9. Similarities

A number of comparisons have already been made about the Sochi track layout by drivers and teams. Many believe it shares many characteristics with the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, while a few feel it is very similar to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. A popular choice for comparison is the Valencia Street Circuit, which hosted the European Grand Prix between 2008 and 2012.

10. Track stats

The 3.636 mile circuit includes 18 corners (12 right and six left) and two long, flat-out sections. The two DRS zones will be positioned just after turn one and on the curving back straight that follows turn 10. Pirelli will take the soft and medium tyre compounds to Sochi.