What to watch for in Sochi

The FIA Formula 2 campaign returns for Round 11 at the Sochi Autodrom, but what should you be watching out for this weekend?

The final hurdle

The Drivers’ title is Nyck de Vries’ to lose. The Dutchman has amassed a 59-point lead as it stands and just needs to finish the weekend with a 49-point advantage in order to seal the crown.

Considering his recent form, where in Monza he turned a nightmare qualifying session into two podiums, that feat is more than manageable.

Last chance saloon

You sense that this is Nicholas Latifi’s final opportunity to steal a march on De Vries and give himself a chance of reclaiming the Championship lead. The Canadian can afford no slip-ups and will need a perfect round in order to prevent De Vries winning the title in Russia, while cutting the gap enough to realistically win in Yas Marina.

The DAMS driver admitted himself that he made a mistake in Monza, when he was caught out by a damp patch on Turn 3, which resulted in him flatspotting his tyres. Latifi cannot afford the same mistake again and will need to finish above the remarkably consistent ART Grand Prix ace.

Home heroes

Last time out in Monza, Nikita Mazepin showed glimpses of the undoubted potential he displayed in last season’s GP3 Championship, when he finished in second place. In Qualifying, the Russian looked like he had gotten to grips with his machinery and seared around for his best session finish yet, collecting P2.

The races may not have gone his way, but it was a clear sign of improvement and the ART Grand Prix driver will want to build on that in front of a home crowd in Sochi. The Russian support should give him a boost on track, when he will look to unlock the talent he showed last season.

Mazepin is actually one of three homes heroes this weekend, with Artem Markelov, racing for BWT Arden, and Matevos Isaakyan, debuting for Sauber Junior Team by Charouz, both set to turn out in front of the Russian crowd.

Continuity

Multiple race winners this season, Nobuharu Matsushita and Jack Aitken have both shown their ability on a number of occasions so far this campaign, but, will probably feel a little disappointed with their placings in the Championship.

You’d imagine that both men would have backed themselves to break into the top three this campaign, especially given the level of performance they have shown when on form. However, unlocking that performance, both from themselves and from their cars, on a regular basis is a struggle for any driver.

With two rounds remaining that possibility is still very much on the cards and the onus will be on the pair of them to carry on their form from Monza, where they both tasted victory.

Aitken in particular will fancy his chances of sneaking into the top three, given that he is currently just three points off Luca Ghiotto in third. That job may be a little tougher for Matsushita, who sits 39 points off, but it’s not an impossible task and you can be sure he will be aiming high.

Overtaking opportunities

Located in the resort city on the black sea, the Sochi Autodrom has been built around the Olympic park and is home to some stunning views, as well as plenty of action. Last season’s races were won by now Formula 1 duo, Alex Albon and George Russell.

The first turn can be taken flat out, which makes a quick getaway crucial and gives the polesitter an opportunity to build an early lead out in front. The first turn is then followed by one of the track’s best overtaking spots, at the tight, slow-speed second turn, where braking will be key to gaining and losing positions.

If drivers can negotiate a good exit to the fourth corner, then it can set them up for a potential move on the fifth.