Russian Grand Prix 2017: Where to watch practice live, preview and track facts

The F1 juggernaut has arrived in Russia for the fourth round of the 2017 Formula 1 season. The sport is witnessing one of the most exciting starts to a season after the last three years witnessed a single team's dominance over the rest of the field.

Ferrari have turned with potentially title winning car for the first time in almost a decade and are taking the battle to the reigning champions Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, the most decorated drivers on the grid in terms of championships are locked in a battle for the title and Russia will provide the background for their tussle this week.

The German driver has won two out of the three races thus far with the Briton taking a single win. The Sochi Autodrom will suit the Mercedes with the long straights and cooler temperatures, but Ferrari have shown that they have the capable of challenging in most conditions.

The practice sessions will give a small indication of the pecking order, but the qualifying session on Saturday will give the first clear signs as to who is in front. Red Bull Racing did make a good step forward in the previous race in Bahrain, and will hope to be closer to the two teams in front.

Where to watch live

The first practice session of the Russian Grand Prix starts on 28 April at 9am BST, with Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports F1 HD providing live coverage in the UK.

Real-time internet updates are available on the the Live Timing section of the sport's official website. Live coverage of the second practice session starts at 1pm BST.

Track Facts

• Circuit name: Sochi Autodrom
• First F1 Race: 2014
• Circuit length: 5.848km
• Number of laps: 53
• Race distance: 309.745km
• Lap record: 1.40'071 (S. Vettel - 2015)
• Most wins: Lewis Hamilton (2)
• 2016 winner: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
• 2016 pole: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)

Drivers Championship

Constructors Championship