Help
Visit our business site
Get set for a sizzling showdown in Sochi
Get set for a sizzling showdown in Sochi
With five races to go, here’s why the Russian Grand Prix could give all drivers a real run for their money
With five races to go, here’s why the Russian Grand Prix could give all drivers a real run for their money
As another season enters its final stages, both titles remain up for grabs as the action speeds to Sochi’s street circuit that’s already become a bit of a classic…
FORMULA 1 2018 VTB RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX, Sunday 30 September, 12.10pm, Sky Sports F1®/HD (CH 516/506)
With long, sweeping bends, fast straights and the kind of scenery that would make any holidaymaker nod appreciatively and think “cor, what a view”, the Russian Grand Prix has fast become one of the most exciting races on the Formula One calendar.
And if the past four races are anything to go by, this weekend’s race will almost certainly prove a thrilling showdown packed with potential crashes, opportunistic overtaking and team tantrums. Plus, with the race now being shifted from last season’s April slot to late September, we might even witness a title-deciding incident or two.
Despite some scepticism going into 2014’s maiden Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom circuit, the race was a massive success, with drivers and fans alike enjoying the compact track layout and the distinctive headwear awarded to the three drivers that finished on the podium.
Unlike a number of previous far-flung races such as those held in Turkey and Korea, the Russian Grand Prix has endured, with capacity crowds flocking to the sun-soaked seaside resort, and a plethora of other motor-racing formats utilising its tight, unforgiving turns. Now entering its fifth year, and with the track’s contract running to 2025, the race shows no sign of going anywhere.
While past races have thrown up a few dominant, lights-to-flag victories (all for Mercedes), with a whole host of wheel-to-wheel action further down the field, this year’s race could be the first to buck the trend.
Going into Sunday’s race, the pace shown by Mercedes and Ferrari is blisteringly similar. And with both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championships still hanging in the balance, the stakes couldn’t be any higher.
The battles for the remaining championship points further back will intensify too, with each precious point gained a significant leap in prize money for the teams looking to keep their heads above the water.
Plus, if all that wasn’t enough to spur the drivers on, there’s always the chance of receiving a funny hat on the podium…
Find out what’s on Sky Sports this week
Keep up to speed with the latest games, players, athletes and action with our Sky Sports schedule. Collecting together all the latest sports coverage from across the channels, there’s something for every fan to celebrate on our homepage!
Watch on the go
Virgin TV customers who subscribe to Sky Sports can watch on the Sky Sports app, anywhere in the UK (or while temporarily in the EU) with a WiFi or mobile data connection. Not only will you be able to take your Sky packages with you, but you get in-depth sports coverage, as well as exclusive videos and interviews. And, also on iPad, you can access extra features, including Sky Sports’ cutting-edge second-screen functions. Download from the Apple app store for iPad or iPhone, or from Google Play.
Upgrade to Sky Sports now
Don’t have Sky Sports? You can find out about our Sky Sports package and upgrade here.
TV channels: Channels, content and features available depend on your chosen package. Channel line-ups and content are subject to change at any time and to regional variations.
HD: HD TV required to view HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package.
F1: The F1 Logo, F1, FORMULA 1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trade marks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved.
Sky Sports: You must subscribe to Sky Sports in SD to take these channels in HD. Sky Sports News HD not included. Content available to view depends on TV package.
Sky Sports available as an add-on for an additional monthly charge if not included in your package. Premium channels must be kept for at least 30 days.
Sky Sports app: Only available via the Sky Sports app (selected iOS and Android devices, on iOS 8 and above, and Android 4.x. UK only (or while temporarily in the EU) or website to customers who subscribe to these channels. Separate End User Licence Agreements and terms and conditions apply to the Sky Sports app and website. Selected content may not be available to view. Live streaming and On Demand available in UK (or while temporarily in the EU) with broadband, WiFi or 3G/4G only. Minimum 800 kbps recommended per device accessing the service. Maximum of 2 devices.