What to watch for in Sochi

The FIA Formula 2 campaign returns for Round 10 at Sochi in Russia, but what should you be watching out for this weekend?

SHWARTZMAN HOPING FOR A HAPPY HOMECOMING

Local hero Robert Shwartzman will be looking for a strong weekend on home soil. The PREMA racer has led the Championship at various points this season, but Mugello wasn’t kind to him. He suffered a pointless weekend and dropped to fourth.

Sitting just five points off third, and 21 off first, the Russian could easily clamber his way back up with a successful Round 10 in his home country.

He only has to cite the example of Christian Lundgaard for proof of this, after two extremely solid rounds hauled the Dane up to third in the Championship.

WILL SCHUMACHER HOLD ON TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD?

PREMA’s Mick Schumacher has been on stellar form for the past few rounds. This saw him get his hands on first place for the first time this season in Mugello, and he’ll want to stay top in Sochi.

The German ace will want to pick up from where he left off and add to his ever-growing trophy cabinet. He currently has eight podiums this season, the most of any driver on the grid in 2020.

CAN LUNDGAARD KEEP UP HIS FORM?

What a couple of rounds Lundgaard has had. The Danish driver took three podiums in Italy, including a win, emphatically putting a tough run in Barcelona and Spa-Francorchamps behind him. The ART Grand Prix driver heads into the final three rounds of 2020 as one of the most in-form men, moving up to third in the Championship.

He’s now just 16 points off the top spot, and we know he has his eyes on it.

DRIVER CHANGES

Giuliano Alesi is hoping for a change of fortunes at MP Motorsport, having swapped BWT HWA RACELAB for the Dutch outfit ahead of Round 10. The French racer started the season positively in the opening Feature Race at the Red Bull Ring, but he has failed to score more points after that. He is optimistic that this move will help him progress in the Standings for the final leg of the year.

Replacing Alesi, is Jake Hughes who will step up with HWA. The British driver is no stranger to the German outfit: Hughes has spent his 2020 F3 campaign at the wheel of the HWA car. Together, they claimed 2 wins, 4 podiums and 3 fastest laps. Hughes is eager to get his first taste of F2 machinery this weekend.

MORE FANS

Mugello finally saw the return of fans to the grandstand - albeit in a limited capacity – and it was a very welcome sight. An increased number of supporters will be allowed into the stands in Sochi, which will provide the field with a refreshing boost.

With three Russian drivers on the grid, the home crowd will have plenty to cheer for too.