3 talking points ahead of Russian GP: Ferrari’s turnaround, Schumacher at the double and St Petersburg calling. F1 heads to Sochi for the Russian GP.

The Formula One circus this week heads to Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix. Here, the PA news agency looks at the key talking points ahead of Sunday’s 16th round of the season.

1. Can Ferrari continue their hot streak?
   The turnaround at Scuderia Ferrari has been hugely impressive. The Scuderia headed into the summer break following a largely underwhelming opening half to the campaign, having failed to register a single win. Yet they arrive in Sochi with three triumphs on the bounce, the first time they have managed to achieve such a feat in 11 years. Sebastian Vettel is likely to be boosted by his first win in 13 months, while Charles Leclerc, who lost out through strategy last Sunday, will be keen to make up for failing to convert his pole into another victory. Ferrari will attempt to continue their revival on a circuit that has proved a Mercedes stronghold since it joined the calendar. Mercedes have won all five of the races at the Sochi Autodrom, with the circuit’s varying corner speeds, smooth surface and straights having previously played to the Silver Arrows’ strengths.
2. St Petersburg calling?
   The Sochi Autodrom, which runs around the city’s Olympic Park – the home of the 2014 Winter Games – has become the destination for Formula One racing in Russia. But the race could be on the move, with the Daily Mail reporting that the sport’s bosses have staged discussions with Putin over taking the fixture to St Petersburg. The venue would fit F1 owner Liberty Media’s desire of staging races in destination cities. Sochi will remain on the calendar for at least another year, though, with next season’s grand prix already scheduled to take place on September 27.
3. Schumacher at the double
   Two Schumachers will feature on the undercard for this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix. Mick Schumacher, the son of Michael Schumacher, will compete in Formula Two, while his cousin, David, the son of former Williams and Jordan racer, Ralf Schumacher, lines up in Formula Three. David is filling in for Alex Peroni, who fractured his vertebra following an airborne shunt in Monza earlier this month.