Marcus Ericsson is hoping for a change in fortune at this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix since he has failed to finish twice this season after only three races.
Despite this run of bad luck, he is looking forward to the race at the Sochi Autodrom and its far from average setting.
“The Russian Grand Prix is always an interesting race,” he said. “I like racing there.
“The track stands out a bit, being located in the Olympic Park, surrounded by the Olympic arenas and buildings, which is very impressive.”
Ericsson enjoys competing at the circuit, even if the final sector does throw a spanner in the works. It will also prove trialling for the year-old engine as it is a track with numerous high-speed straights and turns.
“The track itself is fun to drive,” he added. “The last sector is the most challenging and lap time sensitive as it is quite technical.”
Team-mate Pascal Wehrlein echoes Ericsson’s enthusiasm, though he is also aware of its technical nature and punishing corners.
2017’s new regulations will do nothing but add to the test as many turns will now be taken at full speed.
“The Russian Grand Prix is a nice race weekend,” Wehrlein said. “The track itself is nice, I enjoy racing there.
“It is not an easy one, as some corners are quite technical. With this year’s cars, I assume that some corners will be very quick to drive through. There are also some 90 degrees corners, which are challenging.”
The German is anticipating a warm welcome at the Black Sea venue, as he has raced in the nation previously and was left with nothing but fond memories.
“Overall I am looking forward to racing at Sochi again,” he added. “I do have some Russian fans, because I was racing in Moscow for the DTM.
“They are really great. I got some nice drawings and Russian Matryoshka dolls. I can’t wait to be back in the car again in Sochi.”
