Hot topics at Russian GP

These were the questions on everyone's lips as the first Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix, to take place at Sochi, approaches.

Will Russia embrace F1?

The early impressions are that, as an event, this weekend's race should be a success. The main grandstand and paddock are pristine, and organisers say they will fill the 55000 capacity (although that has been something of a moving target in recent months).

Unlike the Winter Olympics in February, hotels for this event are ready and decent enough.

What is of prime importance is whether Russian spectators and fans will embrace F1 as a sport.

The organisers' cause has been helped no end by Daniil Kvyat's promotion to Red Bull for next year, which should put Russian drivers front and centre of people's minds.

Much of its success will depend on its longevity and how much executives there are able to invest in education and awareness.

The track record of new races is not brilliant. India lasted three years, while Mokpo lasted only four.

Organisers have to hope fierce economic sanctions do not prompt President Vladimir Putin, the driving force behind this project, to lose patience or the money for this grand endeavour.

The Bianchi crash

A lot has been written and said about Jules Bianchi's terrible accident in the Japanese Grand Prix with questions about safety understandably resurfacing.

I received an e-mail from a marshal of more than 30 years' experience, this week.

He pointed out that Bianchi's crash could quite easily have badly injured several marshals, clearing Adrian Sutil's Sauber, not only Bianchi himself.

His thoughts provide a different perspective.

David Simons wrote: "It very rarely requires the intervention of a safety car unless the recovery is taking place on, or close to the track. The retrieval of Sutil's car was taking place well away from the track edge when Bianchi's car hit the recovery vehicle.

"In my view the race director's actions were entirely correct and beyond reproach. Other competitors negotiated Turn 7 by heeding the warning flags and lights. Sadly, it seems Jules Bianchi disobeyed them. However, it is pure chance that he hit a recovery vehicle. I cannot help but wonder what would be said if he had hit and killed a marshal and not injured himself."

Mercedes on the brink

Unless they suffer the kind of mechanical gremlins which have been all too common this year, Mercedes will win the constructors' championship on Sunday.

They are 190 points ahead of Red Bull. After this event, there are 172 points left to win. So Mercedes can earn 17 points fewer than Red Bull and still be champions.