Perri Shakes-Drayton of Great Britain crosses the line ahead of Sanya Richards-Ross of the United States to win gold in the Women’s 4x400 Metres Final during day three - WIC Istanbul (© Getty Images)
Russia's winning streak of eight consecutive gold medals in this event at the World Indoor Championships came to an end in 2010 as long-time rivals USA finished a whisker ahead.
The margin was even smaller in 2012 as Great Britain held off defending champions USA by a mere 0.03 with Russia being bumped down a further place on the podium.
This year's US squad includes three of the top four 400m exponents in the world this winter with Francena McCorory, Joanna Atkins and 2012 world indoor 400m bronze medallist Natasha Hastings, and so they have the mantle of being the favourites.
Behind the Olympic champions, a close battle should expected between defending champions Great Britain and 2013 world champions Russia, the former utilising world 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu, who is not running in the individual event.
Of the other teams to have won medals in this event over the past 10 years, Romania is the only one to have entered a team. Jamaica, champions in 1993 and silver medallists in 2001 and 2003, boast a strong squad, while other teams entered include Italy, Nigeria and host nation Poland.
Nicola Bamford for the IAAF
