Vettel could complete Valencia hat-trick to leapfrog Hamilton
Published:Whilst the European Grand Prix has developed a reputation for hosting typically dull races, the vast array of potential winners should make for an exciting outing on Friday, and Sebastian Vettel looks a promising bet at 7/2.
Vettel has triumphed the past two times he has raced round the Valencia circuit, and in each of those seasons he went on to claim the Driver’s Championship in his Red Bull.
Perched just three points behind McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton ahead of this year’s renewal in Spain, he is eager to close the gap as soon as possible on the 11/4 favourite for the race.
His past experience of winning at the track will stand him in good stead to do so, and Vettel’s main rival could instead be Fernando Alonso, also a 7/2 chance to claim a third success at this course in his native Spain.
However, Vettel not only goes into this race with form at the track, but with his manufacturers Red Bull also coming into their own for this season.
Three pole positions from their last four starts are an indication of this, which will only encourage punters in addition to Vettel’s setting of a new track record in qualifying here last year.
At a bigger price meanwhile, Romain Grosjean could represent terrific each-way value at 14/1, with the Valencia circuit looking ideal for the Frenchman’s Lotus.
The wide street track will suit his E20 car, which has also performed well in hot conditions, and temperatures are expected to be typically sweltering in Spain on Friday.
Grosjean’s team-mate Kimi Raikkonen is afforded the same 14/1 price meanwhile, and the Finn will be eager to re-assert his dominance over his fellow Lotus driver.
Raikkonen has had a troublesome build-up to his past two races, and would hope for smoother preparations if he is to widen the two point advantage he currently holds over Grosjean.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
