F1 Itay - Betting Preview
12th September, 2008
Its been another controversial week in Formula one as this season drama continued. Lewis Hamilton and McLaren were again at the center of it, as Hamilton was handed a 25 second penalty for allegedly passing race leader Kimi Räikkönen illegally. Hamilton started on in pole position but spun on the second lap to give way for Räikkönen to take the lead. Having led the whole race the reigning champion struggled to cope with a late down pour of rain.
In a dramatic few final laps Hamilton closed the 4 second gap and over took his rival. Räikkönen forced Hamilton off the track resulting in the Brit cutting a corner but still holding the lead. Hamilton then let Räikkönen pass only to again over take him. The move was seen as completely within the laws and Hamilton just about keep the car on the track to come home in first place. Raikkonen however was not so fortunate having spun off and was now out of the race.
The race winner collected his trophy and celebrated with his team. However after the race Stewards deemed his overtaking of Räikkönen illegal and penalized time by 25 seconds. This pushed the young Brit back to 3rd with Massa becoming the race winner. Hamilton and McLaren have once again been punished by the race Stewards. It was arguably the greatest Grand Prix in years but ended on a sour note for Hamilton. Massa is now only 2 points behind Hamilton and the drivers championship race has again opened up. Here are the odds for the Gran Premio Santander D'Italia 2008:
Priced at around 6/4 with Ladbrokes, Hamilton is favourite with the bookies to win in Italy. Can the McLaren beat the Ferrari's in their own back yard? Its won't be easy but he will be determined to do so.
Felipe Massa is close second favourite and will be brimming with confidence after being award the win in Belgium. The Brazilian is priced at 2/1 with Skybet
Fellow Ferrari team mate Kimi Räikkönen is priced at 4/1 with Boylesports. Räikkönen is pretty much out of the championship race after spinning off in Belgium but will still be determined to get back to winning ways.
Our Tip: Hamilton to storm to victory. He's been the quickest driver all season and will be too aggressive for the Ferrari's.
By Jamie
