Russian Grand Prix 2014: B/R Experts Predict Pole, Race Winner and More

The Russian Grand Prix in Sochi takes place for the first time this week, and in theory it should be an exciting and unpredictable race weekend as the teams adapt to the challenges of a new circuit.

The sport is in reflective mood, however, as Marussia driver Jules Bianchi fights for his life in Japan after a horrific crash at Suzuka last weekend.

As such, with a title race finely-poised, and the season drawing to a close, it's hard to feel quite as excited for the racing as one might on another weekend.

That said, the show must go on, and after watching the drivers in Friday practice, here are our best guesses as to how the race will play out:  

Mark Patterson: A new track should theoretically shake things up a little bit, but Mercedes have enough in the tank to be fighting at the front. The surprise on Friday was to see that McLaren are in good shape, and with that the pressure builds on their two drivers to make an impression. Jenson Button will use his nous and grab a podium place.

Oliver Harden: The race for the world championship between the Mercedes drivers becomes the race of adaption for one weekend only at Sochi. The street-esque circuit will play into the hands of Lewis Hamilton, who should extend his championship lead with his fourth straight win. Nico Rosberg will make it hard for him, however, in a race that might contain a few mistakes as drivers test the limits of the track.

Matthew Walthert: Lewis Hamilton is on fire and I don't see that changing in Sochi. It seems only further mechanical problems—always a possibility—can stop his run to the world championship at this point. Picking a Hamilton/Mercedes sweep may not be the most daring choice, but it certainly seems like the most likely result this weekend.

Neil James: The Sochi track is a bit of an unknown, but with dry weather forecast there's only going to be one outcome—a Mercedes victory. The only question is which one. Lewis Hamilton will have the famous "psychological edge" after overtaking Nico Rosberg at Suzuka, and it's hard to predict anything other than a fourth win in a row for the championship leader. Behind the fight for the lead, expect Williams to cause problems for Red Bull.

Bob Margolis: It is unfortunate that the racing must continue under the shadow of both Bianchi's horrific accident and the repressive and aggressive Russian regime. But, Bernie's show must go on. This week, it's the next act in the continuing story of Lewis and Nico, the Bickering Twins. It features Lewis this week, as he takes his turn in the spotlight, while his Mercedes teammate stands off to the side. A new track however may be the equalizer.

B/R Expert Picks: Russian GP

Columnist	Mark Patterson	Oliver Harden	Matthew Walthert	Neil James	Bob Margolis
Pole Position	Nico Rosberg	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Nico Rosberg	Lewis Hamilton
Race Winner	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton
Fastest Lap	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Nico Rosberg
Top Team	Mercedes	Mercedes	Mercedes	Mercedes	Mercedes
Number of Finishers	18	17	17	17	20

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Here's how we did in Japan, and what the results of the race did to our scores so far this season: 

B/R Expert Picks: After Japanese GP

Columnist	Mark Patterson	Oliver Harden	Matthew Walthert	Neil James	Bob  Margolis	RESULT
Pole Position	Lewis Hamilton	Valtteri Bottas	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Nico Rosberg
Race Winner	Lewis Hamilton	Sebastian Vettel	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton
Fastest Lap	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Lewis Hamilton	Sebastian Vettel	Nico Rosberg	Lewis Hamilton
Top Team	Mercedes	Red Bull	Mercedes	Mercedes	Mercedes	Mercedes
Number of Finishers	15	15	16	13	17	19
Japan Points	3	1	3	2	2
Points This Season	34	35	35	36	-*

How the Scores Are Calculated

The right answer earns you one point, except in the case of total finishers, where you can be two cars either side. However, if you predict the exact correct number of finishers, you pick up two points.

Feel free to play along in the comments to see how you fare against our predictions.

*Bob Margolis does not have an overall score as he joined our predictions midway through the season.