2019 Russian Grand Prix - Sochi Autodrom, 27 - 29 September

[falonso81]

It does not matter a bit if Merc has the fastest car. The car that crosses the finish line first is the one who gets more points. If Ferrari can execute a perfect 2nd half of the season they can vitually win all remaining races without the need for an outright faster car. Its the Merc way ironically.

[Unc1eM0nty]

I suspect we may see a setup from Mercedes which is qualifying focused.

The reality is it was only qualifying that lost them the last 3 races.

How times change, not so long ago no one could touch their qually pace but were closer on race day, now it's flipped

[GPR-A]

I suspect we may see a setup from Mercedes which is qualifying focused.

The reality is it was only qualifying that lost them the last 3 races.

How times change, not so long ago no one could touch their qually pace but were closer on race day, now it's flipped

Not so long ago, Ferrari was a hopeless team too! And hey, we are still talking about Ferrari and who else can be as unpredictable as Ferrari. They would never cease to surprise us.

[GPR-A]

It does not matter a bit if Merc has the fastest car. The car that crosses the finish line first is the one who gets more points. If Ferrari can execute a perfect 2nd half of the season they can vitually win all remaining races without the need for an outright faster car. Its the Merc way ironically.

The first thing that Ferrari need to establish is that, it was NOT JUST the higher track temperatures, humidity and softest compound (C5) that was the key for Singapore performance and their upgrades can in fact work the tyres in optimum window on softer surface of Sochi, using slightly more harder compound in far more cooler conditions. I would really hope they have got it right.

The things is, most of the remaining races would likely have cooler conditions, other than of course, Abu Dhabi AND mostly Sau Paulo. So, let's see what they have got in Sochi first.

[foxmulder_ms]

When you look at the overall picture I think the Ferrari "domination" in the last three races is overblown like Mercedes domination in first half of the season.

Ferrari could have win 2 races in the fist 5 and Mercedes could have win the 2 of the last 3 races. I dont think much has changed frankly so I think Russia will be a close race between Merc and Ferrari. Basically we are going to see a slightly faster Ferari in qualy and faster Merc in the race. Both can win.

[Big Tea]

Ferrari do seem to have learned to dominate a race, which they seem to have forgotten recently.
Controlling the race from the front means they play to their advantages not play catch up.

While that is true you could argue that Mecedes have had the faster race car in each of the last three races, but they couldn't make it count.

At Monza Lewis couldn't follow close enough through Parabolica to pick up an early tow, in Singapore, well it's Singapore - the less said about this track the better.

The last two corners here should suit them, if they can get under the Ferrari gear box they should have a chance of an overtake. A one stopper as well, maybe they can make their superior tyre wear count here.

I expect another Ferrari pole, the race is up for grabs though

That is what I mean. As with Merc and previously Red Bull Ferrari have taken the 'high ground' and controlled how the race was won. As you say, no matter if you have a faster car, the strategy is controlled by the leading car(s) and you are not in front (in control again) until you pass them. Ferrari have seemed to be concentrating on the race, but now seem to want to be infront at the start. Probably a Le Clerk preference, but it is working.

[zibby43]

Looks like it's going to be cool with a high chance of rain on Saturday.

[Roman]

Yes, almost all weathermodels predict at least some rain during Q. Some say quite a bit of rain, some say only a drizzle. Well know more tmw, then we should also have some kind of certainty regarding Sunday.

But sounds like fun!

[FW17]

I just hate this track

[yelistener]

Bottas could be "it's James"ed again this wknd. He has always been strong in Sochi, and if Ferrari comes as strong as Singapore and Bottas indeed comes in front of Lewis in the race, Mercedes would have no hesitate to make the call.

[NathanOlder]

Bottas could be "it's James"ed again this wknd. He has always been strong in Sochi, and if Ferrari comes as strong as Singapore and Bottas indeed comes in front of Lewis in the race, Mercedes would have no hesitate to make the call.

If Mercedes are running 1-2 , Bottas Hamilton, No way would they switch them, theres no need to if they are running in front of Ferrari.

[Big Tea]

Bottas could be "it's James"ed again this wknd. He has always been strong in Sochi, and if Ferrari comes as strong as Singapore and Bottas indeed comes in front of Lewis in the race, Mercedes would have no hesitate to make the call.

If Mercedes are running 1-2 , Bottas Hamilton, No way would they switch them, theres no need to if they are running in front of Ferrari.

Bottas may well be used to 'test' a tyre at some time though.

[izzy]

If Mercedes are running 1-2 , Bottas Hamilton, No way would they switch them, theres no need to if they are running in front of Ferrari.

Bottas may well be used to 'test' a tyre at some time though.

I don't see Mercedes doing anything this year, there was so much bad feeling about it last year, it really spoiled the Mercedes win. everyone will be watching for it so however subtle they were they couldn't do it secretly. And as Nathan says if Valtteri's taking the win away from the others that's enough isn't it? Personally i would love a Valtteri Victory and i know i'm not the only one

[Big Tea]

If Mercedes are running 1-2 , Bottas Hamilton, No way would they switch them, theres no need to if they are running in front of Ferrari.

Bottas may well be used to 'test' a tyre at some time though.

I don't see Mercedes doing anything this year, there was so much bad feeling about it last year, it really spoiled the Mercedes win. everyone will be watching for it so however subtle they were they couldn't do it secretly. And as Nathan says if Valtteri's taking the win away from the others that's enough isn't it? Personally i would love a Valtteri Victory and i know i'm not the only one

I mean to see if the track is dry enough to go slick rather than test as in new rubber. It seems the rain could well play a part this year

[izzy]

I mean to see if the track is dry enough to go slick rather than test as in new rubber. It seems the rain could well play a part this year

oh sorry, yes I see what you mean. Rain! i hadn't been paying attention.

Valtteri is toast if it's wet anyway, it should be Max vs Lewis shouldn't it, unless Charles can do it after all...