bettrends.co.uk

by Gary Emmerson

Lewis Hamilton became the fifth driver this season to lead the world championship standings following his victory in Turkey and then in Canada two weeks ago and he has been installed favourite for the European Grand Prix in Valencia where he will be bidding for a third straight win of the season.

In the two years the European Grand Prix has been staged on the street circuit in Valencia, Hamilton has finished second twice. Last year he qualified on pole position and, as the in form driver in the field, it is hard to argue against his chances of another prominent showing at a track he clearly enjoys – and which should suit his McLaren car with some high-speed straights.

His performances in the last two races have ended the dominance of Red Bull, his pole position in Canada ending Red Bull’s lock-out of the first place on the grid this season. Backing Hamilton at 11/4 would be advisable.

A bet at a bigger price that intrigues me is backing Hamilton to be on pole position ahead of Red Bull drivers Sebastian Vettel or Mark Webber. Red Bull have taken pole position in every race this season with the exception of the Canadian Grand Prix, where Hamilton produced a stunning lap in the final seconds to deny Webber, and if anyone is to stop Red Bull being on pole again Hamilton will be the man. Hamilton to finish ahead of Vettel in qualifying is 12/1 with Bwin, while Webber taking second on the grid is a point bigger at 13/1 with the same firm.

Hamilton’s McLaren team-mate Jenson Button has finished runner-up behind him in the last two races, proving the speed at which McLaren have developed their car to overhaul early-season pacesetters Red Bull. Despite his record in Valencia being 13th and seventh place finishes he looks a decent proposition priced at 6/4 to be on the podium again.

The final bet that interests me is backing last year’s European Grand Prix winner Rubens Barrichello to finish in the points (top 10). The Williams driver has endured a tough start to the season, particularly in the last two races when 14th, but the circuit should suit Williams and he can oblige for us at odds of 5/2.

BETTRENDS ADVICE
Lewis Hamilton – to win Grand Prix – 11/4 (Sportingbet, Bwin, Extrabet)
Jenson Button – to finish on the podium – 6/4 (Blue Square, 888Sport)
Rubens Barrichello – points finish – 5/2 (Betfred, Ladbrokes)
Lewis Hamilton/Sebastian Vettel – qualifying forecast – 12/1 (Bwin)
Lewis Hamilton/Mark Webber – qualifying forecast – 13/1 (Bwin)

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