F1: six things you need to know about the Russian Grand Prix

A fortnight on from Lewis Hamilton’s eighth win of the season at Suzuka, Formula One heads to Russia’s Olympic Park street circuit for only the second time.

Mercedes delivered a typical one-two finish here last season, although few inside the team believe that a repeat of that result will come easily given the track conditions in Sochi.

"Everything went well at the last round in Japan,” says Niki Lauda, whose team could wrap up the constructors title this weekend. “So thank goodness we came out of the Singapore trauma and we are back.

“But my worry is Sochi, which has Singapore type of asphalt, is not that easy. We have to work hard and stay competitive. Then we are looking good."

Williams fared well here twelve months ago – Valtteri Bottas believes the long straights are “a good fit” for their car – and there’s every chance of an upset this weekend if the maturing track surface gives the Silver Arrows something to think about.

A home grand prix often comes with added responsibilities, with more fans to satisfy and extra media interviews to complete. As the only Russian on the grid, Daniil Kvyat is bearing the brunt of those duties this week.

“Sometimes you do get some strong attention,” said the 21-year-old. “You have to understand that the fans are coming out to support you and that is something quite special. I'm happy to have the attention, it gives you a bit of a lift.”

On the opposite side of the garage, though, Red Bull teammate and professional smiling enthusiast Daniel Ricciardo is sporting an even broader grin than usual as Kvyat takes centre stage.

“I'm looking forward to putting my feet up and letting him do the heavy lifting,” said the Aussie. And his advice for his in-demand teammate? “Take a deep breath and hold on, and don't look too far ahead at the schedule.

“Also, don't make too much noise in the hotel when you're leaving in the mornings. I'm planning to have a lie-in. Before a swim!”

And while Ricciardo was presumably soaking himself in the pool, Red Bull’s youngest-ever points scorer was revealing which items he needs most during a race weekend.

Music, a chess board and a pillow for sleeping were the main requirements in Kvyat’s hotel room, while there were some interesting choices in the fridge department.

“Most of the stuff for breakfast: eggs, milk, a few vegetables to make an omelette, yoghurts, fruits and ice cream,” said Daniil.

“Then if I am planning on cooking some lunch or dinner I will go and buy on the day some chicken fillets or salmon fillets. I always have some rice at home as well or some pasta. Oh, and vodka!”

Don’t drink and drive, kids.

After a long season recovering from the effects of administration, Manor Marussia are putting agreements in place which may allow them to compete properly with other outfits next year.

The team has announced a multi-year engine deal with Mercedes, which will see them compete with a 2016-spec power unit next year, while Williams will provide transmission and suspension components to the current backmarkers.

Manor chief Graeme Lowdon said: "It's a definite step forward because it's going to be a few seconds the aero guys don't have to find, and it's also a reliable package.

"There is still a lot for us to do, but having a new car – chassis and engine – is a step in the right direction for us, without a doubt.”

With new entrants Haas F1 buying as many bits of Ferrari’s car as is allowed within the rules, don’t be surprised if the middle order looks a little different next year...

CVC Capital Partners – the group who owns a majority stake in Formula One – could sell its shares before the end of the year, according to Bernie Ecclestone.

"There has been a lot of interest and there are three [interested parties] at the moment,” said the 84-year-old. "I will be surprised if one of them does not buy them shortly."

Bernie’s comments should be taken with a sizeable pinch of salt. The F1 supremo is notorious for dropping red herrings, and said as recently as July that CVC’s co-chairman Donal Mackenzie “doesn’t want to sell”.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has reportedly said that the sport needs a "sustainable shareholder with a long-term perspective and vision".

A whip round at TG HQ failed to raise the required funds.

Fernando Alonso has confirmed – for the second time in as many weeks – that he will remain at McLaren-Honda until the end of his current three-year deal in 2017.

When asked if he would be staying put for the foreseeable future, the Spaniard replied: "Yes. Of course. And 2017."

Alonso was ambiguous about his commitment to the team after a disappointing race a fortnight ago, where he described the Honda power unit as a “GP2 engine” during the race.

Subsequent media coverage of the comment has irked the two-time world champion, who said: "What you say on the radio should remain private because you are talking with your team, not publicly.

"It's just the frustration of battling hard and wanting to be competitive."

Officials are reportedly looking at introducing technology that would mechanise the process of removing debris from tracks in the aftermath of collisions.

It comes weeks after Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel suffered major tyre blow-outs at the Belgian Grand Prix, incidents which Pirelli blamed on an unusually high number of cuts in the rubber it provided for the race.

Motorsport director Paul Hembrey said: "Given the discussions we've had with the FIA I believe there is a recognition that maybe there needs to be a definition of a type of system that is used to clear the track, in particular when there are incidents.”

Marshals currently use brooms to clear circuits, although some disciplines employ vehicles with fans attached to blow material out of harm’s way.

An F1 hoovervan? Sounds like a challenge for the Top Gear technology centre…