Track Torque: Showdown in Russia as Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull face off
Rod Kinsey previews the Russian Grand Prix.
THIS time around it is a showdown between Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.
We will keep Trump and Putin out of all the energy produced at Moscow’s Sochi Autodrom and it is once again a survival of the fittest!
Mercedes, with their two top drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, should have the edge as they were very good at the Sochi last year.
Nico Rosberg broke all the records, from qualifying, to a race win, as well as the fastest lap in the race.
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They have just been given another big boost by being asked, as a consultant, by Honda to help solve Honda’s hybrid engine problems – quite an honour.
The Prancing Horses at Maranello are just as proud and maybe just as fast.
This weekend will tell us the state of play with the world’s best machines.
The Formula 1 racing boss at Honda, Usuke Hasegawa has said that they will be doing whatever it takes to improve their form and this includes technical co-operation at a very expensive and high level with Merc and Ilmor Engineering in England.
We can expect some tough talking and hard racing in Russia without love as Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen push their feet to the metal in another contest to beat Mercedes.
Ferrari are really on form and the team and tifosi are at their best in this situation.
When the red mist descends on the track, the atmosphere is electric and the red machines become tantalisingly quick.
There should be enough red flags in Russia to make this all happen.
It sounds like a four-horse race but the Red Bulls will also be there to show what they are made of.
Both Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo are young bloods in action and will never let their side down.
I expect something extra special from this team this weekend as they are determined to make a statement with their very mean Adrian Newey designed machines from Milton Keynes.
The Renault engines are getting better all the time and a major upgrade is expected in Moscow. This could really make the race something very special.
The event will, I think, become a three-times two-horse race for the chequered flag. Can the podium consist of anyone else?
Qualifying will be at 2pm on Saturday and the race on Sunday will start promptly after the warm-up lap at 2pm.
Nostrovia!
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