2015 Track Preview; Russian Grand Prix, Sochi

As we head to Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix this weekend, Pirelli have selected the two hardest tyres selected from their range for this weekend which are the P Zero Yellow soft tyres and P Zero Red supersoft tyres which is a step softer than the inaugural race last year, when the medium and soft tyres were nominated.

But with no prior race data to go on in 2014, a deliberately conservative choice was made, but with real race information now available; a nomination more precisely suited to the exact characteristics of the track has been made. The new asphalt surface is smooth, and together with mild weather and mostly medium-speed corners, this leads to generally low tyre wear and degradation.

However, with Pirelli and all the teams are still learning more about this circuit all the time, despite the advancement of simulation technology over the past year. The track has quite a wide variety of different corners, so it makes for a good all-round test for the tyres, with the drivers able to benefit from the extra speed of the supersoft this year.

Pirelli have stated that the freshly laid asphalt often undergoes quite a radical change in its first year, particularly after going through a harsh winter season. However, track samples that have been gathered from Pirelli indicate that there has not been a major change in the characteristics of the Sochi asphalt from 2014 to 2015; with the surface remaining smooth and non-abrasive.

With the circuit not being used extensively outside Formula One, a high degree of track evolution is expected, with a 'green' and slippery surface on Friday in particular.

The most critical corner at Sochi is Turn 3 a long multi-apex left-hander that was inspired by the famous Turn 8 at Istanbul Park (which was also designed by Hermann Tilke). This stresses the front-right tyre in particular. In total there are 12 right and six left-hand corners, with a 650-metre straight between the first and second turns.

The 5.848-kilometre track will be the third longest of the year, behind Spa and Silverstone. Around 1.7 of those kilometres are run on public roads, and the race will run for 53 laps. Ambient temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees centigrade are expected, limiting the effects of thermal degradation.

And here's the facts and figures heading into the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

•Sochi has hosted the Grand Prix since 2014.
•Lewis Hamilton is the most successful driver at the track with one win.
•Mercedes is the most successful constructor to win the Grand Prix with one win.
•Race distance: 310km
•Number of turns: 18
•Laps: 53
•Top speed: 336kph
•Lap record: Valtteri Bottas- Williams (2014)- 1.40.896

Last winner of the Russian Grand Prix:-
•2014- Lewis Hamilton

My five things to look out for this weekend:-

1.Tyres and track evolution- With the track not being hard on tyres and evolving throughout the weekend due to the fact that the track is not used throughout the year, will this impact anyone's race on Sunday as a result?

2.Renault announcing their future plans in F1- With rumours speculating that Renault are in final negotiations with the Lotus F1 team to buy the team outright; will we hear the news that everyone is expecting this weekend or not?

3. Future of Red Bull- With Red Bull getting out of their contract with Renault for next season, Mercedes refusing to supply them with an engine and also Honda stating that they haven't been approached by the team, all eyes will be upon them to see if they will announce a deal with Ferrari this weekend.

4.Performance of the Mercedes drivers- With Mercedes having dominated in Australia, having a “damage limitation” weekends in Malaysia, Hungary, Singapore and winning in China, Bahrain, Spain, Monaco, Canada, Austria, Silverstone, Spa, Monza and Japan, Mercedes are clearly still the favourites to retain both of their championships this season and winning at Sochi this weekend. But the real question is; will anyone be able to pose a challenge over the course of the weekend once again and be able to take the lead of the Driver's Championship away from Hamilton?

5. Mercedes winning the Constructors Championship- This weekend could see Mercedes win their second consecutive Constructors Championship if they are able to show their form, even if Non-Executive Chairman Niki Lauda has stated to the media that they are worried that their Singapore Grand Prix form could return this weekend. But can Mercedes clinch the title in Sochi this weekend?

Sky Sports F1 are showing uninterrupted coverage of every Practice session, Qualifying and race for the Grand Prix (and every race of the season) and the BBC also are showing coverage, details for both are below:-

•*Sky Sports F1*:- Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 7.45am and 11.45am [Replays throughout Friday], Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 9.45am and 12.15am [Replays throughout Saturday], Sunday (Race) 10.30am

•*BBC*- Friday (Practice 1) 7.55am, Saturday (Practice 2, Practice 3 and Qualifying) 8.15am, 9.55am and 12.10pm , Sunday (Race and Race Highlights) 11.00am and 7.00pm

Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa