Preview: Russian GP
As F1 is set to break new ground at Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix, the mood in the paddock is still very downbeat with people's minds still set on Jules Bianchi.
The young Frenchman's accident didn't leave a single soul untouched. As discussions on closed cockpits and track safety rage on, F1's drivers have decided to show their support for Jules by adding #ForzaJules on their helmets. Marussia, Bianchi's team, is meanwhile unsure whether or not to field a second car with Alexander Rossi, or run only one car, steered by Max Chilton.
Despite plans for a Russian Grand Prix being mooted as far back as 1983, the Sochi Autodrom is the first purpose-built Formula 1 facility in the country. The track was given the green light in October 2010 - since then, acclaimed architect Hermann Tilke has designed and built a challenging 18-corner layout that is the third longest track on the 2014 calendar.
The track is ostensibly a street circuit, but it has an interesting mix of permanent and temporary sections. The infrastructure around the paddock and pitlane is permanent, having originally been erected for the Winter Olympics, but the track itself is temporary. It’s lined by walls, it has little run-off and it will punish driving mistakes.
However, the presence of two straights – the longest of which is 650 metres – pushes speeds higher than many permanent circuits on the calendar. Simulations predict an average speed of 215km/h, placing the track on a par with Albert Park in Melbourne and making it quicker than Monaco, Montreal and Singapore.
Interestingly, the track itself is laid down with quite abrasive asphalt because it contains a special polymer that gives the surface extra grip. Compared to the average circuit, which would see a difference of around two seconds, the scale of evolution on a spanking new race track is significant. The reasons for this are known and understood - but nonetheless inevitable. Amongst these is the quantity of oil rising through the track surface - which is the nature of freshly laid tarmac and can only really be disposed of by driving across it. The tarmac will also move, stretch, grow and generally evolve in shape and stance. In line with track evolution, changes in tyre properties will be a factor - with blistering and / or graining more than likely to across the weekend. The astroturf run-off areas too are likely to raise concerns, with these traditionally coming loose during early running at a new circuit - as seen on numerous occasions over the years.
Car setup
Front wing Sufficient front wing to help keep the front end planted through the long turn three and assist with turn-into the numerous 90 degree corners.
Rear wing Similar downforce levels to Singapore, however Sochi features longer straights so the playoff between downforce and top speed will be looked at closely.
Suspension Suzuka tests the qualities of the chassis with quick changes of direction calling for a good responsive ride. The Degners 1 and 2 corners also call for a good stiff set-up.
Brakes Two reasonable braking events for T2 and T13 and plenty to keep the brakes up to temperature over the course of the rest of the lap.
Tyres Pirelli's medium (white) and soft (yellow) compounds will be used. This is seen as a combination capable of covering the wide range of possible scenarios for a new circuit. This combo has been used previously in 2014 in Australia, Bahrain, China, Hungary, Belgium.
Engine Not severe for the ICE however heavy demands on the energy recovery systems and battery. At over 5.8km fuel consumption per lap will be high, but with plenty of tight corners and short bursts of power the high rate will be balanced out by energy recovery via the MGU-K and MGU-H, hence it is not expected to be on the limit of the 100kg fuel for the entire race.
Quick facts
Track abrasiveness: High. The asphalt is smooth but abrasive and it’s still going to be very green and slippery when the on-track action gets underway on Friday
Pirelli tyre choice: Soft (Option) / Medium (Prime), a combination that has already been used five times this year (Australia, Bahrain, China, Hungary, Belgium)
Fuel consumption: High. Lap simulations suggest that fuel consumption is going to be similar to Singapore, which has a lot of stop-start corners and is hard on fuel consumption
Brake wear: Medium. On two occasions the cars will slow from more than 300km/h and the stop-start nature of the track means the brakes are heavily used
DRS zones: Two – the first is between turns one and two; the second is between turns 10 and 12
Turbo effect: High, due to the number of sharp bursts of acceleration from low speed
