Alonso’s domination in China looks ominous for title rivals
Published:Fernando Alonso produced a fantastic drive to finish over 10 seconds ahead of the pack and claim Ferrari’s first win in Shanghai since 2007, making the Prancing Horse the most successful constructor at the circuit with four wins since the race made its debut in 2004.
This was the Spaniard’s first success around this track for eight years and leaves him third in the standings as his F138 car proved far too quick for any of its rivals. Alonso now sits just nine points behind championship leader Sebastian Vettel and he’s a 13/8 shot to claim a third Formula One crown.
The German finished fourth after Red Bull opted to start him on the medium compound tyre, meaning his fastest efforts came towards the end of the race. However, it was too little too late as his last ditch attempt to reel in Lewis Hamilton ended in failure, with the Brit holding off the reigning champ by a mere second.
Vettel picked up 12 points for his fourth place finish and that was enough to maintain a lead over Kimi Raikkonen in second and leave him at 11/8 to secure a fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship.
The aggressive Finn continued his impressive start to the year and his price of 5/1 to be top of the pile after 19 races looks an attractive one.
The 2007 world champion got his tactics spot on as he made his final pit-stop three laps earlier than rival Lewis Hamilton which gave him an advantage that he held until the chequered flag.
The Mercedes man was well in the hunt for second place but with Vettel’s pace leaving the Red Bull driver bearing down on a slowing Hamilton, he was forced to concentrate on holding on to a podium position.
The former McLaren driver did well to see off the champion’s challenge and he now sits just 12 points off the pace with a price of 8/1 tempting for patriotic punters.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
