Following the success of February’s Winter Olympics, the eyes of the sporting world return to Sochi this weekend for the inaugural Russian Grand Prix. Given Russia’s standing as a global superpower, the country is long overdue a grand prix and the former Olympic venue provides the perfect setting and infrastructure for the race.

As with most of today’s new tracks, Hermann Tilke has overseen its design and build, and the 5.8km layout contains his signature long straights and hairpins, which should generate some good racing. There are some longer corners too, which will test the aerodynamic efficiency of the cars – and the fitness of the drivers.

Rod Smedley:
An all new track for 2014 has meant a great deal of simulation has gone into the preparations for Russia. From the look of it we can relate the track to the Valencia street-circuit. There are a quite a few low speed corners, and tyre warm-up could be an issue as well as brake wear due to the deceleration for these corners. It’s a new frontier for Formula One and the team are looking forward to going there and putting on a good race.

Felipe Massa:
Russia is an exciting prospect, the track looks really nice. I’ve driven a few laps in the simulator and it’s a good circuit with some longer straights so the car should suit it. It wasn’t too hard to learn a new layout but driving it in the car is different to the simulator. I hope we can have a good race and put on a good show for the Russian fans.

Valtteri Bottas:
Russia should be interesting. It’s new for everyone so we are all in the same position. There is a combination of medium speed corners and long straights, which could be good for our car. It’s always nice to have a new circuit on the calendar and I am looking forward to driving the track and learning more about the country.

Race Data
Friday:
Practice 1: 10:00 - 11:30
Practice 2: 14:30 - 15:30
Saturday:
Practice 3: 12:00 - 13:00
Qualifying: 15:00 – 16:00
Sunday: Race: 15:00