Chinese GP - Betting Preview

Can Lewis throw a knockout blow in round 4?

An exhilarating encounter in Bahrain showcased one of the best inter-team battles in recent memory. Now it is time for the 11th Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit to flourish and host round 4 of the 2014 F1 season, fast becoming a memorable fight between Lewis Hamilton and NIco Rosbeg

Two successive 1-2's and maximum points for Mercedes has consolidated the strong advantage Lewis and Nico are currently enjoying. It would be a major shock to see any of the chasing pack significantly push them this weekend, particularly as the lengthy straights emulate Bahrain and suit the power-packed Mercedes engine.

Lewis Hamilton will be targeting three consecutive wins in China, a feat never achieved by the 2008 World Champion in his formula 1 career. Yet the exciting display at Bahrain proved to the world that Lewis will not be strolling away with World Title number two. Only a majestic defense drive kept Nico and his fresher, softer tyres at bay.

Lewis admitted that Nico was the quicker man in Bahrain, confirmed by the German's pumped up, steely manor on the podium. Nico is likely to carry that intensity and determination into the weekend, looking to avenge the previous two defeats to his former karting teammate.

Both Mercedes drivers have had success in China, Hamilton recording two wins whilst Rosberg earned his first ever win at the same circuit in 2012.

The 56 laps in China is often affected by rain and early forecasts suggest that the heavens will target qualifying, the third time in four races this year. Tyre degradation was a major factor last year with the eventual winner Fenando Alonso pitting on lap 6 on his first stint, indicating that Force India may have another strong race if they can go easy on the tyres.

With Mercedes likely to dominate Qualifying and the Race, a variety of markets have been considered in finding the best value this bank holiday weekend.

Best Bets of the weekend

Lewis Hamilton - Qualifying Winner - 1.86

I'd back Hamilton 80% of the time to beat his teammate in qualifying and with Mercedes certain to have the fastest car, this looks great value.

Fernando Alonso - Podium Finish - 2.76

Fernando won in China last year and his early showing in FP2 proves that Ferrari should have a strong weekend here for their new Team Principal Marco Mattiacci.

Kimi Raikkonen - Top 6 - 1.95

Raikkonen will show his true class sooner rather than later, it wouldn't surprise me if it's here at China.

Other Bets

Daniel Ricciardo - Podium Finish - 4.0

Although Daniel hasn't got the points on the board, his form has deserved more and a podium is not out of the question

Nico Rosberg - Race Win - 2.98

Really good value for a determined Nico Rosberg. The price difference is far too big for the quality difference between Lewis and Nico

Hamilton/Rosberg - Quali/Winner Double - 4.3

Rosberg started on pole in Bahrain and Hamilton finished on top, the reverse this weekend? At 4.3 it's worth a punt.

Bets We've made:

Hamilton Qualifying Winner - 1.86

Fernando Alonso - Podium Finish - 2.76

Hamilton/Rosberg Quali/Winner Double - 4.3

@F1BetPreview

All odds courtesy of Betfair on Friday Afternoon GMT after FP1 and FP2