Belgian GP Preview

Famous for its unpredictable weather and eventful racing the Belgium Grand Prix is a hit with F1 fans. A track with high-speed corners it is also a favourite amongst the drivers, although safety modifications in recent years has perhaps taken the extreme element of danger away.

Without a win in the last three races, Sebastian Vettel is no longer a betting certainty. The championship leader is 5/2 with Betfred to win the race, but with a lead of 85 points in the standings getting to the finish of each race must be his primary objective. Without needing to go all out for victory he is perhaps no longer attractive as a win only bet.

Lewis Hamilton is 11/4 second favourite with Skybet, closely followed by Fernando Alonso at 7/2 with Betfred. Evenly matched in terms of talent and machinery it is a difficult call who to side with.

Sportingbet have Jenson Button at 13/2 to win in Spa but it looks like the 2008 world champion needs changeable track conditions to gain his wins. The forecast is set fair for Sunday and that might scupper his chances.

Despite the reputation of delivering thrilling race the Belgian Grand Prix has been fairly consistent on race days. Last year 5 of the top ten finishers started 11th or lower on the grid. But in the three years before that, only three cars managed to break into the points after starting outside the top ten.

It is therefore hard to see any of the smaller teams making an impact this weekend. With Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes filling the top eight, the midfield are probably battling for 9th and 10th. After a good result in Hungary Force India will be looking to repeat their past good results at Spa. In 2009 Giancarlo Fisichella finished a surprise second, Paul Di Resta is 125/1 with Boylesports to make the podium this time round.