Schumacher on for a fairytale return?
To spread bet on Formula 1 is to combine the most exciting way to bet with one of the most exciting sports on earth. Well some think that and others think motor racing betting is about as interesting as watching dried paint dry further. Even if you fall into the latter category there are fascinating vignettes in the lead up to this weekend's first race in Bahrain. The return of Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso back in a proper race car and of course Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton in the same team. All l can guarantee is that not everyone will be happy.Online betting on Formula 1 requires a firm handle on the right information and the 11/4 with extrabet that Fernando Alonso wins the world title may not be the smartest of plays. Ferrari have a quick car but also one that guzzles fuel. Considering cars will not be able to refuel this year then Ferrari will have to be heavier than their direct competitors off the line for all races and slow starts are a death to any driver. On the same vein Massa trades at 13/2 for the title and surely he's not more than twice as unlikely to win the title as Alonso?
Elsewhere punters have been snaffling the 7/2 on extrabet about Vettel but the Red Bull's will continue to be very hard on their tyres and as such their end of race performances may be compromised. McLaren must be considered the best overall package as their new car will do everything well but not exceptional. Their only outstanding feature has to be Lewis Hamilton and at 7/2 for the title you can see the job Button has to do if he is to retain the title at 14/1.
However most interesting may be the chances of the Mercedes. Their new aero package will allegedly bring them an extra 0.5 second a lap and with a certain Michael Schumacher behind the wheel you have to respect their chances. What's most relevant maybe is his relationship with Ross Brawn.
Traditionally these two, and particularly Brawn, have been quickest to absorb new rules and benefit from them. This year there are plenty so watch out for them in the early races where maybe the 13/2 about Schumi winning the driver's title isn't attractive but a fast start at Bahrain more likely.
Certainly the 15/2 about him winning this Sunday or at least a podium finish at 15/8 could be your weekend wallet warmer.
Online betting firm extrabet's spokesman Chris Shillington explains further .
"It could be a fairytale first weekend for the returning Schumacher. Our sharper punters have latched onto the fact that their new package and Brawn's head for new rules must be respected"
FORMULA 1 BETS
WORLD TITLE BETTING
Alonso 11/4
Hamilton 7/2
Vettel 7/2
Massa 13/2
Schumacher 13/2
Button 14/1
BAHRAIN BETTING
Alonso 3/1
Hamilton 7/2
Vettel 9/2
Massa 11/2
Schumacher 15/2
FORMULA 1 SPREAD BETS
WORLD TITLE INDEX BETTING
Winner 60 pts/ 2nd 40pts/3rd 30pts/4th 20pts/5th 10pts /6th 5pts
Alonso 26-29
Hamilton 26-29
Vettel 24-27
Massa 19-22
Schumacher 18-21
Button 13-16
