F1 Betting Preview: 2011 Season

After a riveting 2010, Formula One is back and the circus starts in Melbourne this weekend. With five world champions lining up it could be another classic. As with every new season the goal posts have moved, with plenty of rules revised.

Out go the double diffusers, F-ducts and adjustable front wings. In come adjustable rear wings, KERS and a new tyre supplier in the form of Pirelli.

The rear wing change is supposed to aid overtaking, with the car following allowed to open the wing for less drag in the straights. The Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) have been reintroduced from 2009, allowing the driver to select when to use a power boost of 80 bhp. Both changes will require an element of skill and timing, not just bravery, when overtaking.

Pirelli have replaced Bridgestone as the only tyre supplier in F1 and by all accounts they degrade much quicker than the Japanese ones did. Some drivers are suggesting the super-soft compound degrades after three laps, although Pirelli say this is deliberate. Perhaps not a great marketing image for the Italian tyre manufacturer, but it will be fun for the viewers as the cars become a lot twitchier.

According to the bookmakers Red Bull are the team to beat, heading the Constructers betting at 11/10; with Sebastian Vettel at 9/4 to retain his title. After just missing out on the drivers’ title in 2010, Fernando Alonso is back for more at 11/4 second favourite. With eight drivers all under 20/1 to win the Drivers Championship, it could be a cracker.