2014 Russian GP - Sochi

[i70q7m7ghw]

If you look at the satellite imagery, the place offers some opportunities for beautiful curves rather than hard sharp apex corners that have been used

http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj5 ... 88ffea.jpg

Indeed, it's a shame it's just another Abu Dhabi supermarket carpark type track.

[kalinka]

No pole lap but a virtual lap from F1 2014 the game:

I hate these track introduction videos with those camera switches every 2sec. You can't get a real impression on track. I don't want to see front suspension details in track intro videos...stupid thing. It's just confusing. A plain good old onboard would be much better.

[Cuky]

there is a video from F12014 game where you can better see how the track looks from onboard. No camera changes at all
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceuIIKVEmGs

[Edax]

No pole lap but a virtual lap from F1 2014 the game:

I hate these track introduction videos with those camera switches every 2sec. You can't get a real impression on track. I don't want to see front suspension details in track intro videos...stupid thing. It's just confusing. A plain good old onboard would be much better.

You can find some real onboards on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTlWfjXOM0A

But it doesn't really matter, just think Valencia/abu dhabi/Korea with a slightly different scenery pasted onto the back.

When the Houston track was delivered, I thought that Tilke was finally getting a grasp of what a good track should look like (Although If I was Spa, or Silverstone I would sew him for stealing my corners). But this is most definately a big step back. And it isn't that hard, even a couple of farmers in the middle of nowhere seem to produce better tracks than this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znjCvk8BrLk

Anyway, High speed sections heavy braking and accelleration; I think Sochi has Mercedes written all over it. Even more so than at other tracks. Second probably is going to be Red Bull. The fight behind that (Ferrari/Williams/Mclaren/Force india) could be interesting.

[notsofast]

Who will replace Bianchi?

My bet would be that RedBull will buy that seat, and Max Verstappen will get some practice before becoming a full TR driver next year.

Doesn't Marussia use Ferrari engines? Maybe Ferrari will buy that seat, to give Vettel some practice before becoming a full Ferrari driver next year.

[kalinka]

there is a video from F12014 game where you can better see how the track looks from onboard. No camera changes at all
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceuIIKVEmGs

I can't +1 you here, so thank you !

[SectorOne]

When the Houston track was delivered, I thought that Tilke was finally getting a grasp of what a good track should look like (Although If I was Spa, or Silverstone I would sew him for stealing my corners).

Then sue Tavo Hellmund. He´s the one that put down the general track layout for that one which Tilke then had to modify to fit FIA´s safety regulations.

There´s a picture of a tissue somewhere on the internet where Tavo drew the map and all his ideas for it.
Things like an Eau Rouge at T1 but did not make the final cut. However most of his design from this tissue is more or less what you see today.

So i would not think Tilke has designed this track by himself. For starters it´s in and around massive buildings which you have to go around.

A more likely explanation is that whoever is in charge of the track layout has drew something down, given it to Tilke which then had to modify it to make sure it complies with the FIA safety regulations.

A big contrast is Atlanta Motorsports Park which Tilke is behind.

[dans79]

No pole lap but a virtual lap from F1 2014 the game:

I hate these track introduction videos with those camera switches every 2sec. You can't get a real impression on track. I don't want to see front suspension details in track intro videos...stupid thing. It's just confusing. A plain good old onboard would be much better.

You might like this one then.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTlWfjXOM0A

[Moose]

The circuit looks similar to Australia. I can believe we might see some good racing here. Based on Australia's result though, probably a Merc run away victory.

[Ronac]

Anybody know what side pole starts on? It's a long run down to the sharp right hander.

[SectorOne]

Left hand side,

[iotar__]

there is a video from F12014 game where you can better see how the track looks from onboard. No camera changes at all
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceuIIKVEmGs

Mickey mouse, turn 4 and couple of straights into chicanes. IMO nothing like Korea and not really similar to Australia. May be better than it looks. Same tyres like for Spa, no obvious choice but it seems conservative.

[MercedesAMGSpy]

It's better than Korea (horrible horrible track), I have no problems with S1 and S2, S3 is terrible.

[kalinka]

The run from last corner to turn2 is esentially a flat-out no? It seems quite long. They should reach quite high speeds there. Turn 2 will be the real issue at the start as everybody tries to outbrake each other on cold tyres.

[FW17]

The run from last corner to turn2 is esentially a flat-out no? It seems quite long. They should reach quite high speeds there. Turn 2 will be the real issue at the start as everybody tries to outbrake each other on cold tyres.

Nothing special, think Valancia