Formula One - Bahrain Grand Prix Season Opener Could Provide A Shock by Anthony Lucas

Posted: Tuesday, 9th March 2010

Compare odds on the Bahrain GP winner here

(Race at Noon this Sunday)

There are eight drivers all with a reasonable shout of the trophy and many more who could have a say whose mantelpiece it will eventually sit on.

The bookies can't decide who will take the honours with Fernando Alonso a 3/1 favourite ahead of returning German Michael Schumacher, former World Champ Lewis Hamilton, Red Bull wonderkid Sebastian Vettel and Brazilian Felipe Massa. In fact, reigning World Champ, Jenson Button, is fifth in the running at a mighty 14/1.

Personally, I think it's a bit pointless betting on the Drivers Championship Winner before the first race has been won. Noone knows how the different teams will perform and it's a lottery at the minute to guess who will take the honours. The odds of the actual winner may even lengthen before they get shorter so it's best to intently watch the first race or two for a more informed, educated guess.

However, as a gambler, it's hard to watch any sport without having a financial interest in it which is why I will be choosing two potential future World Champions as winners for the first race in Bahrain this Sunday.

Sebastian Vettel has competed in a mere 43 races yet already has five wins in cars which have failed to stand out against its counterparts. His ability is not in question, being the youngest driver to drive at a Grand Prix meeting, take pole position, lead a race and win a race in his short career.

Still only 22, the young German will again race for Red Bull this season and continue his strong partnership with Mark Webber. What's most important for the man, who came second at this race last season, is the consistency in the team set up including Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey, who always produces championship winning cars.

At a shade over 6/1 with Betfair, I can see Vettel going one better than last year and upstaging the return of his fellow German, Michael Schumacher, especially if his pit crew can take their own pre-race form into the race and match the 1.8 seconds they have been achieving for tyre changes.

The second of my two picks is a little know driver who will start the first race of his career for Williams alongside veteran Rubens Barrichello.

Nico Hulkenberg is also a 22 year old German who has risen up the ranks of junior driving with ease and phenomenal speed. There may be doubts over the reliability and strength of his car but at 100/1 with William Hill, what a story it would be if he could at least achieve a spot on the podium.

Nico couldn't want for a better platform and support group for his first season with his fellow driver Barrichello, Sir Frank Williams, Patrick Head and Sam Michael all around to help him concentrate on the driving.

Take a shot at these odds and hope for the same surprises that littered last year's Championship.

RECOMMENDATIONS
5pts - SEBASTIAN VETTEL @ 6/1 (Betfair)
1pt Each Way - NICO HULKENBERG @ 100/1 (William Hill)

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