Formula One Betting Preview – Raikkonen, Hamilton set to duel
Formula One sportsbook odds: Raikkonen (+150); Hamilton (+180); Massa (+250)
- Kimi Raikkonen has the inside odds
- Ferrari favored to dominate the podium
- Hamilton looks for better result
If you bet on sports, you know we've reached the midway point in Formula One betting action, and it's one of the most wide open seasons in recent years as three drivers are tied for the points lead heading into Sunday's German Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg racetrack.
The German Grand Prix - called the European GP when held at the Nurburgring last year, was won by Fernando Alonso in 2007. However, Formula One betting odds say points leaders Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa will race for the checkered flag.
Defending Formula One series champion Raikkonen is favored at +150, and the Ferrari driver from Finland has finished in the top-four in his last two races, including a runner-up in France. Raikkonen started on the pole the last time this race was held at the Hockenheimring in 2006, but settled for a third-place finish. Last year, he did not finish the race due to mechanical problems.
Right behind Raikkonen is England's Hamilton at +180 odds. The super sophomore will try building on his win in the British GP, his home race, which took place two weeks ago. Hamilton had a rough time in last year's race by his gamble of dry tires on the rain-soaked track failed miserably; he finished ninth, a lap down. The McLaren-Mercedes driver will be eager to avenge that effort.
Raikkonen's Ferrari teammate, Brazil's Massa, is looking to rebound from a poor performance in the British GP in which he finished 13th. Massa was second to Alonso in this race last year, and also the runner-up to the legendary Michael Schumacher when it was held at the Nurburgring. With Formula One betting odds of +250, Massa is probably better value than the young Hamilton.
The smart bet would be on Raikkonen here, as he has started on the pole the past two years and finished third at the Nurburgring in 2006. Massa should join his teammate on the podium, but Raikkonen's mixture of skill and experience should be enough to earn him the win.
Complete list of Formula One Betting Odds:
Kimi Raikkonen +150
Lewis Hamilton +180
Felipe Massa +250
Hekki Kovalainen +1000
Robert Kubica +1200
Nick Heidfeld +2000
Fernando Alonso +3300
Jarno Truilli +6600
Mark Webber +8000
Nico Rosberg +10000
David Coulthard +15000
Timo Glock +15000
Sebastien Vettel +15000
Nelsinho Piquet +20000
Jenson Button +25000
Rubens Barrichello +25000
Kazuki Nakajima +25000
Sebastien Bourdai +35000
Adrian Sutil +45000
Giancarlo Fisichella +50000
Born in the betting capital of Las Vegas, Lee-Roy has grown to appreciate the likes of IndyCar and Formula 1 racing, but his first love is the high-speed ovals of NASCAR and he is a HUGE Tony Stewart fan. When it comes to motorsports handicapping, Buckles takes the checkered flag. Thought or Questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
