Live on BBC1: Sun 06.30: The Drivers Championship is going down to the wire; Alonso can shine in the land of the rising sun.
5 drivers are still in the hunt for the Drivers title with only 4 races to go as the F1 calendar heads to Suzuka, Japan. Current leader Mark Webber is 19/10 at Sportingbet for the title while Fernando Alonso, 11 points back, is a slightly longer 2nd fav at 9/4 (Betfred).
In Japan however, Sebastien Vettel attracts the shortest price; he is Bet365’s 15/8 race fav but it’s hard to agree with that considering his opponent, Fernando Alonso, has been blowing everyone out of the water. Alonso is an interesting 10/3 with Blue Square for the Japan GP; not a bad price for someone who has started the last two GP’s on pole, recorded fastest laps and gone on to win both. The Spaniard, who performs so well under pressure, has gone as far as to declare himself favourite after Webber refused to accept that title.
Lewis Hamilton himself best knows how much he needs a win here. Stan James reckon he is an 11/2 chance and he must drive like a wizard to achieve it. The problem is, his eager pushing has bagged him 3 retirements in the last 4 outings, the other being the desired win. Probability should dictate Hamilton will finish this time around but he is probably best avoiding.
Current leader Mark Webber can be backed at 4/1 for the Japan GP (Sportingbet) while Jenson Button is a rather lengthy 16/1 at Betdaq.
Fernando Alonso was 3/4 to finish on the podium at Monza and lengthened (despite winning) to 5/6 to podium at Singapore. Bookies have slightly cottoned on but he is still 8/13 (888sport) to land in the top 3, which is just about fair. Michael Schumacher will be an interesting watch this weekend; he is 11/2 (Ladbrokes) to get into the top 6 and is probably the most knowledgable driver about Suzuka in recent history. He could well be worth watching for a top 6 finish, or a points finish at the very least – 4/5 with Blue Square.
Overall, Alonso is the danger man. Suzuka is perhaps a Red Bull track so Vettel to pole (11/8 Coral) is realistic but you cannot deny the Ferrari and it’s driver’s form. Follow Alonso to win and really justify his own credentials as a title winner.
Recommended Bets:
Schumacher to finish in the points – 4/5 (Blue Square)
Alonso to win – 10/3 (Betdaq)
Alonso to win the Drivers Championship – 9/4 (Betfred)
Compare all Japan GP odds and bet at the best price.
