Image source, AP

The main talking point from yesterday was a huge crash for Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz.

There was a bit of concern initially as it took time for the Spaniard to be removed from his car but not only did he come out of it uninjured, but he has also been passed fit to race today. 

A high-speed crash into a barrier one day, back in the car the next. Amazing.

Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer

“Lewis Hamilton was not very happy to have been beaten by Nico Rosberg to pole but it did not knock his confidence that he can turn the tables in the race - just as he did two weeks ago in Japan when starting second. 

"‘Obviously Nico did a better job in qualifying but I feel there’s still all to play for, as you’ve seen in many other races where I’ve started second. I think it’s exciting. It makes the race ever more exciting and it’s a long, long way down to Turn One. Probably one of the longest ones of the whole year so it should create opportunities. But there are other opportunities throughout the race as well.’ 

"Neither driver expects to give the other much quarter. ‘Nothing changes anything,’ Rosberg said. ‘It’s one way and that’s it.’”

Image source, Getty Images

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the Russian Grand Prix.

Nico Rosberg might be on pole but he and the rest of the grid will, to an extent, be stepping into the unknown. 

With a fuel spillage, rain and a crash cutting short drivers' time on the circuit in all three practice sessions, today could prove to be a bit of a lottery.

Image source, Getty Images

Time is running out for Nico Rosberg.

With five races to go and a 48-point gap to close down, the German knows he must start making up significant ground on Lewis Hamilton sooner, rather than later.

Starting on pole at today's Russian Grand Prix, he might not get a better chance to do just that...