11/10/2015
NEWS STORY
We can't remember exactly where we saw it but the headline of the weekend - on so many levels - has to be 'Sainz be praised', in relation to the excellent news that the Toro Rosso driver had come through his horrendous FP3 crash virtually unscathed.
After the long, anxious wait as he was extracted from the car, the sense of dread not helped by the lack of TV replays or radio comms, we could all breathe a massive sigh of relief on seeing the youngster give the thumbs up as he was stretchered into a waiting ambulance.
Nonetheless, the accident raises serious questions in terms of such incidents and once again has the pro-closed cockpit lobby taking the high ground.
Whilst in no way wishing to compare this weekend to Imola 1994, we're sure the sport will be glad to leave Sochi after what has, thus far, been a difficult weekend.
Admittedly, the rain couldn't be avoided, but the diesel spill and the subsequent issue with the Tecpro barriers... and all for the sort of crowd numbers we have grown used to as Bernie Ecclestone spreads the F1 net ever further from its heartland.
The numerous thrills and spills - see what we did there - have resulted in a serious lack of running, team programmes compromised at every turn.
Though qualifying wasn't quite the lottery we expected, we are sure things will be different today when the lack of preparation on Friday and Saturday morning becomes evident.
Despite it all, Mercedes, which can wrap up the 2015 constructors' title today, hogs the front row - for the 30th time in the German marque's history - but let's not forget Niki Lauda's pre-Sochi concerns nor Toto Wolff's claim that degradation is an issue here.
Though we expected to see Ferrari as the biggest threat to Mercedes, especially in light of Singapore, it is Williams which appears to have the edge, though a mistake by Felipe Massa meant the Brazilian didn't make it to Q3 and consequently Valtteri Bottas takes on the Scuderia single-handed.
Whether the Italian cars will fare better in race conditions, or whether, like their rivals, the lack of Friday's race simulation work has put them on the back foot, remains to be seen.
No disrespect to Force India, but even the Silverstone team must be surprised to see its drivers line up sixth and seventh, whilst Romain Grosjean gave another 'beyond the call of duty' performance in the Lotus.
In a disappointing 11th and 12th, the Red Bull duo will no doubt be glad to be on track and away from the constant questions about their - and their teams' - future, Daniil Kvyat, in particular, hoping to put on a decent show in front of his home crowd.
Just over two hours before the race, Toro Rosso announced that Sainz has been given the all-clear, however, the team's hopes will surely rest on the shoulders of Max Verstappen today.
Sainz starts from the back of the grid, along with countrymen Fernando Alonso - contesting his 250th GP today - and Roberto Merhi.
The McLaren has looked a bit better this weekend, but nothing special. Indeed, another 35-place grid penalty for Alonso continues the farcical nature of it all.
Sauber has had a pretty anonymous weekend, possibly keeping out of the spotlight after instituting that EU investigation into the sport - along with Force India - though Felipe Nasr did well to qualify 12th.
Tyres, like Singapore and other street tracks, are soft (prime) and supersoft (option), though this is a step softer than in 2014.
Because the teams did not complete many laps of dry running in free practice, it's hard to have a precise indication of strategy. However, most will probably choose a one-stop strategy owing to the low wear and degradation levels. In which case, the fastest strategy would be to start on the supersoft and then switch to the soft between laps 18 and 22.
However some teams might not discount a two stop strategy, especially if race conditions turn out to be warmer.
There are two DRS zones, the first on the pit straight and the second on the long sweep between T10 and the infamous T13.
Following Suzuka, one of the big questions is whether, having taken pole, Nico Rosberg can successfully fend off teammate Lewis Hamilton at the start. The Briton doesn't need to win - though he'll want to - whereas the German does need to win.
The pitlane opens and one by one the drivers make their way to the grid.
Air temperature is 18 degrees C, while the track temperature is 28 degrees, a little, just a little, warmer than yesterday. It is overcast but rain is not expected, Race Control claiming there is just a 10% chance.
On the grid, Ecclestone confirms that Pirelli has secured the rights to be the sole tyre supplier from 2017 to 2019.
Classic response from Alonso when asked about the track compared to Saturday. "Same as yesterday, same corners, still black."
As the field heads off on the warm-up lap, all are on the options bar Maldonado, Massa, Ericsson and Alonso.
A little gamesmanship as Rosberg holds the pack back as he closes in on the grid, much to Vettel's obvious frustration.
They're away. Rosberg leads into T1 but Hamilton is alongside in T2 and momentarily has the lead however, the German has the inside line and holds him back. In all the confusion, Raikkonen has got ahead of both his teammate and Bottas. Further back there's a problem in T1 as Hulkenberg spins and is hit by Ericsson. Verstappen is also involved as he clipped by Ericsson. "I couldn't do anything," says the Dutch youngster.
The Safety Car is deployed, Rosberg leads Hamilton, Raikkonen, Bottas, Vettel, Perez, Kvyat, Ricciardo, Button and Nasr. Grosjean pits as does Verstappen.
At the end of lap 3 the Safety Car pulls off, Bottas making an early move on his countryman Raikkonen. Nasr passes Button also.
"My throttle pedal is broken, if it sticks what do I do," complains Rosberg. He is assured that all is OK, as there is a safety feature built in. "It will kill on brake pressure," he is told.
On lap 6, Vettel sweeps past Raikkonen on the pit straight, but the Finn has the line in T1 and takes it straight back. Hamilton posts a new fastest lap (42.888).
Unseen, Rosberg has been passed by Hamilton after running wide in T2. The German is told that he will need to adapt to the situation and the team will keep him advised. However, he is passed by Bottas, Raikkonen, Vettel and others as he slows and heads to the pits. Have we just witnessed the end of the 2015 world championship 'fight'. Indeed, he climbs from his car, his race, and (seemingly) title hopes, at an end.
Consequently, after 8 laps, Hamilton leads Bottas, Raikkonen, Vettel, Perez, Kvyat, Ricciardo, Nasr, Massa and Button.
Massa, who started 15th, on the prime rubber, is all over countryman Nasr.
After just 9 laps, Hamilton is told he's doing a good job in terms of fuel saving, this is a high consumption circuit. He is also advised of Rosberg's retirement. "Let's refocus," he is told.
Miracle man Sainz is up to eleventh as he passes Button.
Another fastest lap from Hamilton (42.137) having been told is fuel situation is good.
A massive crash on lap 11 for Grosjean who is the barriers at T3. The Safety Car is deployed.
For the second time in 24 hours the sport holds its breathe, but thankfully, even before the marshals arrive on the scene the Frenchman begins climbing from his car.
Replay shows the Lotus getting out of shape in the dirty air from Button's car, the car veering wildly and ultimately slamming into the wall after running over the marbles on the track. If nothing else it's a great testament for the HANS device.
Perez pits, as do Ricciardo, Sainz, Button. Next time around Alonso and Merhi pit.
Behind the Safety Car, after 13 laps, it's: Hamilton, Bottas, Raikkonen, Vettel, Kvyat, Nasr, Massa, Maldonado, Perez and Ricciardo.
"This is the slowest the car has ever gone," complains Hamilton, "I can't keep the temperature in the tyres." "Do what you can do," he is told.
By the side of the track at T3 marshals are still working on the barriers, placing gaffa tape over splits in the damaged Tecpro.
Bottas is told to watch Hamilton at the re-start as he is struggling with his tyre temperatures. Indeed, the Finn almost runs into the back of the Mercedes as the Safety Car pulls off at the end of lap 16.
Vettel and Raikkonen wheel to wheel in T1, the Finn running wide in the process. Vettel fights back and a couple of corners later is past his teammate as Kvyat keeps a watching eye.
Another epic battle between Ricciardo and Sainz, neither willing to yield to the other.
Raikkonen complains of "having no speed in straight line".
"Keep pushing, keep pushing, you're doing an awesome job," Sainz is told, despite having lost out to Ricciardo.
After 18 laps, Hamilton leads Bottas by 3.4s, with Vettel a further 3s down the road.
Massa, Perez and Maldonado form an orderly queue behind Nasr as Verstappen complains of a "strange vibration", and not a good one. The Dutch teenager is now down in 12th.
As Hamilton posts a new fastest lap (41.336), Bottas is warned that Vettel is quicker and closing. The Finn is now 5.6s down on the Briton.
Sainz is under investigation for crossing the white line at the pit entry as Alonso is warned about cutting the apex at T16.
On lap 25, Verstappen makes his second stop of the day, switching back to options, the Toro Rosso driver having complained about a lack of grip.
Sainz is handed a 5s time penalty for his white line misdemeanour.
"Guys, my tyres are going," warns Bottas, the Williams driver subsequently diving into the pits. 30.316s later he rejoins in 11th position, behind Sainz.
A bit of cross-country for Maldonado who is currently eighth.
"Bottas is caught in traffic, keep your head down and keep pushing," Vettel, currently 14.8s down on the leader, is told.
Raikkonen is given a similar message. "Bottas is in traffic, so keep pushing."
On lap 30, Bottas makes a great move on Sainz in T1 to take tenth, as we await the pit stops from the Ferrari duo.
Vettel pits at the end of lap 30, as do Massa and Maldonado. 29.367s later Vettel is back on track ahead of Ricciardo and Bottas.
As Hamilton is appraised of the situation, Raikkonen pits. 29.386s later he rejoins alongside Bottas who is all over Ricciardo. They battle in T1, but the Williams driver has the advantage over the Ferrari.
Hamilton pits at the end of lap 32, rejoining the race still comfortably in the lead.
Kvyat pits at the end of lap 3, promoting Nasr to second, ahead of Vettel, Perez, Ricciardo, Bottas and Raikkonen. The Sauber driver, of course, has yet to stop.
As Nasr finally pits, another classic from Alonso. Told he is racing Massa to the end, the Spaniard replies: "I love your sense of humour". Moments later the Williams cruises past the McLaren.
As he battles Ricciardo, Bottas runs wide, and in a heartbeat Raikkonen is by. However, the Williams driver has the line for the next corner and retakes his position.
"There's a bit of scrapping going on behind," Ricciardo is told, referring to the Bottas/Raikkonen battle, "if you can pass Perez it will help us."
13.162 clear of Vettel, Hamilton, who must be bored stiff, posts a new fastest lap (40.077).
Having passed Alonso, Nasr sets off after tenth-placed Button.
In his attempts to pass Kvyat, Massa runs wide in T3, causing Stevens to heads off in the direction of Moscow in the process. Elsewhere, Raikkonen continues to pressurise Bottas.
Nasr passes Button to take the last of the point scoring positions.
"You're still P3," Perez is told, "but to make it work we need maximum management to the front (tyres)." "I can't do any more," is the response.
"Management last lap was good," Perez is told next time around.
After 43 laps, with 10 remaining, Hamilton leads Vettel by 11.4s, Perez is 13.8s behind the German, with Ricciardo just 1.9s down the road and under pressure from Bottas and Raikkonen. Sainz is seventh, ahead of Massa, Kvyat and Nasr.
Bottas is told that Perez is struggling, the Finn ups his pace in response going quickest in S1. Moments later he passes Ricciardo and sets about closing the 2s gap to Perez.
Raikkonen passes Ricciardo into T1 but runs wide after carrying too much speed. He subsequently hands the position back.
A spin for Sainz as smoke pours from his left-front brake. Shortly after he has another spin and lightly clouts the barrier dislodging his rear wing. He subsequently parks and retires the car.
Once again Raikkonen passes Ricciardo, this time without any issues.
As a marshal runs across the track to pick up a piece of Sainz rear wing, Ricciardo has stopped by the side of the track with a "suspension" issue. Vettel comments on the "very brave Russian running across the track".
A new fastest lap from Raikkonen (40.294) as he sets about closing the 2.5s gap to Bottas who is all over Perez with 4 laps remaining.
"Three laps remaining," Hamilton is told, "we're still seeing some suspect performance from the rear wing." "I can feel it," he replies. 8.3s behind, Vettel responds with a new fastest lap (40.071).
"Mode one, mode one, we've got one lap only," Bottas is told having previously botched a move on the force India courtesy of excessive wheel-spin.
In one move, Perez is down to fifth, passed by Bottas and Raikkonen in T13.
Raikkonen makes a move on Bottas, he T-bones the Williams and Bottas is off into the barriers and the Ferrari has damage. Perez is back in third.
"What the **** did he do," asks Bottas.
Hamilton takes the flag, ahead of Vettel, Perez, Massa, Raikkonen, Kvyat, Nasr, Maldonado, Button and Alonso.
Verstappen is eleventh, ahead of Bottas, Merhi, Stevens and Ricciardo.
So, we await news on whether Raikkonen will be penalised for the clash with Bottas, which, of course, affects the Constructors' Championship, Mercedes needing three points more than Ferrari to secure it today.
Mixed emotions for Mercedes, as Hamilton enjoys another superb win and another mighty step towards his third title, whilst Rosberg falls foul of Lady Luck once again.
Superb drivers from a number of drivers, especially Perez, who fully deserves his place on the podium.
Kudos also to Sainz also for a superb performance, especially in light of yesterday's nightmare.
Despite that GP2 engine, Alonso celebrates his 250th GP with a point, though he'll surely feel more like celebrating it with a pint, as will his teammate.
Now it's up to the stewards to decide whether Mercedes is the 2015 champion or whether the German team will have to wait until Austin.
Check out our Sunday gallery, here.