Daniil Kvyat
Toro Rosso driver Daniil Kvyat set for home grand prix [facebook]

Formula 1 arrives in Russia for the first time since its inception in 1950 at the Sochi Autodrom.

All the drivers and fans are still in a sombre mood following the life threatening crash suffered by Marussia driver Jules Bianchi, who is recovering at a hospital in Japan.

The Mercedes team will come into this race as favourites, with Red Bull and Williams fighting for the title of best of the rest. It's a home Grand Prix for Toro Rosso driver Daniil Kvyat, who has been confirmed as Sebastian Vettel's replacement at Red Bull racing for next season.

All the drivers will be keen to get on track and get as much of track time as possible to get the best set up for qualifying and the race.

Where to Watch Live

The first practice session of the Russian Grand Prix starts at 7am BST, with Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports F1 HD providing live coverage in the UK.

Real-time internet updates are available on the Live Timing section of the sport's official website.

Live coverage of the second practice session starts at 11am BST.

Live TV coverage of the Practice Sessions are also available on BBC Two and radio coverage on BBC Radio 5Live.

Track Facts

  • Circuit Name: Sochi Autodrom
  • First F1 Race: 2014
  • Circuit Length: 5.848 km
  • Number of Laps: 53
  • Race Distance: 309.745 km

Drivers' Championship Review

lewis hamilton
Lewis Hamilton Reuters

Lewis Hamilton extended his lead in the championship following victory at Suzuka, and he now leads his teammate Nico Rosberg by 10 points.

Daniel Ricciardo, who is in third place will still have hope of catching the two drivers in front, but will have to be wary of his teammate, who is slowly regaining form in the last couple of races.

Sebastian Vettel, has leapfrogged Valteri Bottas and Fernando Alonso into fourth following two consecutive podium finishes in Singapore and Japan. That fight is sure to go down to the last race, with the Williams equally adept at picking up points in the coming races.

Constructors' Championship Review

The Constructors battle is as good as over as another one-two finish in Japan saw the Mercedes team extend the lead and they are now 10 points short having a lead of 200 points over nearest challengers Red Bull.

With Ferrari having a bad weekend at Suzuka, Williams have eked out a 23-point lead to consolidate their third position with Ferrari comfortable in fourth.

The battle for fifth and sixth places is also sure to go down to the wire with Force India currently leading McLaren by just a single point.