Drifting
Is it possible to drift around the whole of turn three of the Sochi Autodrom? See Nikita Shikov try.
Last year, the Russian Grand Prix made its Formula One debut matching a stunning setting with its spectacular track. The F1 circuit, laid out around the site of the Winter Olympic village in Sochi on the Black Sea, was an instant winner with the drivers as Russia took its place on the Formula One calendar.
One outstanding feature of the Sochi Autodrom is the awe-inspiring turn three – the fastest and longest turn in Formula One. This massive left-hander could have been lifted straight off a slot-car track.
The Russians call it 'the engine killer' because the prolonged G-force can starve an engine of oil, while pushing the driver to his physical limit. If you don't cook the engine, you can easily slide into the barriers.
It's made for F1, of course, but it also happens to be perfect for drifting. But is it possible to drift around the whole of turn three of the Sochi Autodrom?
With special permission from the circuit owners, Russian Drift Series racer Nikita Shikov brought his new 800bhp Toyota RocketBull86 to Sochi and proceeded to spread his tyres all over the circuit, filling the Olympic venue with black smoke.
In circuit racing, the average speed around turn three is 150kph (93mph), but Nikita passes through the turn at 170kph (105mph) with his wheels spinning at an incredible 260kph (161mph).
Sit back and enjoy this unique way of tackling the F1 circuit in Sochi.
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