Just the also-rans still to come now, then a short interlude before the second run starts at 11:00 GMT. Following that we'll be bringing you commentary of the ice hockey men's gold medal match between Sweden and defending champions Canada, starting at 12:00 GMT. The Canadians are seeking to become the first side to retain their title since the introduction of NHL players in 1998.

Image source, AP

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeals of Canada and Slovenia to have the three French men's ski cross medallists disqualified for wearing modified race suits.

An overnight hearing held by CAS dismissed the protests filed against the outfits worn by Jean Frederic Chapuis, Arnaud Bovolenta and Jonathan Midol, who won gold, silver and bronze respectively.

Each had made official protests to the International Ski Federation (FIS) about the legs of the ski suits worn by the French skiers.

Two more sleighs down and GBR 2 are clinging on. They are joint 18th with Italy 1 after the Koreans and Austrians fail to overhaul their time.

Nick Hope
BBC Sport in Sochi

"Yesterday's two runs took place late at night here in Sochi, where as today we're early afternoon at the moment (GMT +4) which does have an impact on the speed of the ice.

"In warmer conditions the sliding track should be slower and that's generally what we've seen today, with the leading Russian's one of only a few who have bucked that trend.

"Lots of rumblings mind about how the technology of this track works and whether Russia actually have the capacity to heat / cool it from beneath the surface. They're unsubstantiated rumours, but you never know...."

Colin Bryce
Former GB bobsleigher on BBC TV

"It was a good start for Great Britain but that was quite a slow time in end. Let's just hope it's good enough to hold them ahead of the Italians so they can stay in the top 20."

Image source, Getty Images

Lamin Deen's GBR 2 sleigh gives a couple of heavy taps to the sides on the way down and can only post a time of 56.06 - the worst of the day so far. Their chances of reaching the final run are touch and go now.

Eat walk Edinburgh:, external Watching four-man bob on #bbcsochi would love to see a mocked up photo finish pic of the the top six sleds only tenths of a second between them.

Beverley Sackville:, external Housework & chores have been seriously neglected while I've watched wall-to-wall Sochi 2014.

Chris Leeks:, external Decent run for GB 1 but a medal looks a little beyond them. Move up is the aim.

A quick form guide for you. Steven Holcomb's US boys are the defending champions, while Germany took gold in the world championships last year, with Russia second and the USA third.

GB bobsleigher Paula Walker (Jackson's partner):, external He's moved up!!!! yes john boy!! 0.18 off a medal with 1 more run to go ahhhhhhhhhhh.

Image source, AFP

What a story it would be if John Jackson could pilot GBR 1 onto the podium. Jackson tore his Achilles tendon in training in July 2013, threatening his hopes of competing in Sochi. The injury can often require 12 months of rehabilitation but, thanks to pioneering surgery, he astounded medical experts by returning to light running in 12 weeks - a moment that left him in tears. The Royal Marines sergeant says his role as a physical training instructor gave him confidence he could recover in time.

We've had 12 teams so far. Lamin Deen's GBR 2 will be the 18th team to run, looking to cling on to a place in the top 20 and reach that final run.

Pickering's optimism has trumped Nicky Hope's pessimism for me. In the final run, starting at 11:00 GMT, the teams will go in reverse order, so the ice could be really cut up by the time the top three have to race. The top 20 teams will qualify for the final run.

Injured Team GB bobsleigher Craig Pickering:, external Sixth place with the prospect of better ice over their rivals. The way this ice is degrading is very promising for GB1! Traditionally Jacko can drive a storming last run, so if he continues this trend bronze is a possibility!

Nick Hope
BBC Sport in Sochi

"55.31 for John Jackson's GBR 1 team is slower than their two runs yesterday but crucially it does move them up the standings.

"They're in sixth, which is the pre-Games target, but they're still 0.18 secs of the final podium - now occupied by the USA after Germany slip down the rankings.

"Not wanting to be negative but my reading of this is that GB will not finish on the podium. I hope I am wrong though!

"Russia & their pilot looks set to land a two & four-man double having extended their lead over Latvia from 0.04 to 0.17 secs."

Ordinary efforts from the Germans and Swiss mean they can't challenge Jackson's men. It looks highly likely that GBR 1 will go into the final run in sixth.

Image source, Getty Images

It's a solid run from GBR 1 as they post a time of 55.31 to move up one place to sixth, 0.63 seconds behind the Russians and 0.18 seconds behind the USA, who are in the bronze medal position.

Russia 2, led by Alexander Kasjanov, speed down in 55.29 to jump two places to fourth. Now for GBR 1...

Germany 3 remains in fifth. Just one more to go before John Jackson and the Brits. Jackson is the partner of fellow Great Britain pilot Paula Walker. He was inspired to take up the sport by Britain's bronze in the four-man bob in 1998. Can he secure a medal and inspire a whole new generation of bobsleighers?

The US sleigh, piloted by Steven Holcomb, rattles down the track in 55.30 to usurp Germany in third.

Sloppy from Germany 1 as they can only post a time of 55.47 to fall a further 0.45 seconds behind the Russians. Has that opened the door to the Brits to sneak into bronze medal contention?