Mercedes have a chance of wrapping up the constructors' championship in the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, as they have accumulated 506 points so far. Both the Mercedes drivers -- Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton -- have been in an amazing from in the Formula One circuit this season, winning 11 out of the 14 races so far.
Rosberg is aware of the feat, as the team is looking to clinch the title on Sunday. The practice session starts on Friday.
"Yeah, it is one of the aims of this weekend, to try to clinch that. Special to be able to do it again in such a manner, such a dominating manner. Really awesome job by the team. And again to have the chance to close it down so early," said Rosberg.
The Mercedes are expected to be pushed to the limit by Ferrari, who lie in second place with 337 points. Ferrari driver, Sebastian Vettel, who has won three races this season, has posed a serious challenge to Mercedes. Rosberg warned his team to be cautious against Ferrari in Sochi.
"But, of course Ferrari has been strong recently, very, very strong even, so we need to be cautious, we still need to work hard, get the best out of it but of course we're optimistic," the German added.
Apart from the team title, Rosberg will also be eager to challenge for the drivers championship as well. Hamilton, who has won eight races this season, lies on top of the drivers' standings with 279 points, while Rosberg has 229 points in his kitty.
Though the gap between the two drivers is quite big, as there are only five races left before the season comes to an end, Rosberg, who knows he only has a slight chance of winning the title, just wants to concentrate on winning as many races as possible.
"I don't really think about it in that much detail. I see the gap, I see that it's quite big considering there's just a couple of races left and just go for it, go for it. I need to try to win the races, that's what I'm focussing on, winning the races and then the rest... I'll just see how it goes," said Rosberg.
Hamilton is the overwhelming favourite to defend his F1 crown, but the Brit needs to bring his A-class form as Vettel and Rosberg will be eager to capitalise on any errors, which Hamilton might make during the Russian GP. Drivers such as Vettel and Rosberg just need an inch and they will make a yard out of it, which can make the race interesting.
First Friday Practice Session (Friday): 10 am local time (12.30 pm IST, 8am BST)
Second Friday Practice Session (Friday): 2 pm local time (4:30 pm IST, 12 pm BST)
Final Practice Session (Saturday): 12 pm local time (2.30 pm IST, 10 am BST)
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