The inaugural Russian Grand Prix has finally arrived, but will undoubtedly be over shadowed by Jules Bianchi’s horrible accident last weekend. I am sure that the thoughts of every Formula One fan will be on Jules’ condition. And it is because of this accident that we will only see 21 cars in the race, as Marussia withdrawals Bianchi’s car, out of respect for the wounded driver.
As for my race predictions; it is harder to predict the outcome of this race, based on the fact that it has never been raced here before. We are missing valuable data like where are the best spots to overtake. Any data that we have can only be taken from the practice or qualifying sessions. Because of this lack of data, my predictions will be a bit vague.
Locking out the top two steps of the podium, I have selected the Mercedes duo, with Lewis Hamilton leading Nico Rosberg. With the exception of free practice one, Hamilton has topped every session in the weekend. I am confident that he will be able to maintain a top position for the race. In addition, momentum seems to be on Hamilton’s side, with a three win streak and twice as many wins as his teammate.
McLaren has been having a great weekend so far, more specifically, Jenson Button. He got third in the first practice session and declined in the other practice sessions, but bounced right back into fourth on the grid. Kevin Magnussen was looked as though he would get a high grid position, but was given a five place grid penalty for changing his gearbox. That pretty much puts him out of contention.
The fourth and fifth spots on my top five predictions were very close. It was between Fernando Alonso and Daniel Ricciardo. The pair has been locked in a tight battle for the majority of the season. Despite the poor car this season, I think that Alonso can get by Ricciardo for fourth in the race. He has been steadily improving all season long and I think that his car is better than the Red Bull. Ricciardo will then be in a close fifth.
I can’t wait for the first ever Russian Grand Prix. It is the event that I have been looking forward to all season and it is unfortunate about the tragic circumstances over shadowing this historic even. Our thoughts are of course with Jules Bianchi and I am hoping for a safe race.
1 Lewis Hamilton
2 Nico Rosberg
3 Jenson Button
4 Fernando Alonso
5 Daniel Ricciardo
