7-1 Schu seeking winning formula

SPORTS BETTING: 

MOTOR racing has never really been my thing, but I know a sporting superstar when I see one and the return to F1 of Michael Schumacher has certainly ignited my interest during the build-up to this season’s World Championship.

Bahrain stages the first Grand Prix of the season on Sunday and all eyes will be on Schumacher, who has won the title seven times with a mixture of huge talent, flair and no shortage of ruthlessness.

The German is a winner - like most of his nation’s sportsmen – and anyone who stands in his way had better watch out (just ask Damon Hill).

That said, Schumacher faces arguably his greatest challenge following his shock decision to come out of retirement and drive for his old mate Ross Brawn at Mercedes.

I can’t remember a more competitive F1 line-up and that has to be good for a sport which has, in the past, been far too predictable for those, like myself, with only a passing interest.

Apart from Schumacher, who may have to settle for minor honours this weekend, there are potential world championship winners in Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Felipe Massa.

And don’t forget our own Jenson Button, the current champion who will be driving alongside fellow Englishman Hamilton at McLaren.

Alonso, the number one at Ferrari, is 11-4 favourite to come out on top with Hamilton at 4-1, Schumacher 7-1, Massa 10s, Button 14s and Mark Webber 18-1.

However, the smart money this week has been on Vettel, who hails from the rapidly-improving Red Bull team which could make a huge impact this season.

He is 5-1 for the title and 6-1 to win in Bahrain. This weekend could just be the time to catch him.


TOP TIPS: Sebastian Vettel to win Bahrain Grand Prix, 6-1 (BetFred, Boylesports); Graham Swann to be leading England wicket-taker in first Test against Bangladesh, 5-2 (William Hill), Alastair Cook to be top English run scorer, 4-1 (Ladbrokes); Scotland to beat England in 6 Nations, 9-5 (Bet365).