F1 Hungarian GP
Hungary is notoriously difficult to overtake on - it's up there with Spain and Monaco on the list of tracks you want to enjoy a great Saturday qualifying session if you want to give yourself any realistic chance of success on Sunday.
For that reason, Lewis Hamilton will feel especially disappointed to have been out-qaulified by both Ferrari's and also teammate Valtteri Bottas as well. Damage limitation mode is surely already in operation, and he also has two highly competitive Red Bull's behind him who have been starting well this season.
Sebastian Vettel surely has this race at his mercy, and it really is his to lose from pole. He hasn't won since Monaco either, so there is plenty of pressure to get the job done, but we confidently expect him to cruise to victory now - something Hamilton went on record as saying he expects too. At 4/9 the betting opportunity looks slight however, and it's similarly difficult to justify an e/w bet on Raikkonen at 5/1. While the terms will pay out at 5/3 for a Top 2 finish, he's only got the better of Vettel once this season on race day, and that was last week at Silverstone when a puncture struck the German.
Instead, it could pay to back Valtteri Bottas to finish on the podium. He starts third, and has finished ahead of Hamilton in four of the last seven races, despite suffering retirement in Spain. He's also finished in front of Hamilton in three of the four races where he has qulaified in front of him. To see the Finn at 13/10 for a Podium Finish therefore looks decent value - especially when you consider Hamilton is just 4/7 in the same market.
Valtteri Bottas to finish on the Podium at 13/10 at BetStars or Sporting Odds
In the Top 6 market, Carlos Sainz makes most appeal. The Spaniard achieved that feat in Monaco, and may just threaten a repeat. On a circuit suited well to the car, he could be the man to prosper if any further engine gremlins stirke McLaren pair of Alonso and Vandoorne, which would leave him needing to find just one more place somewhere along the way. He starts ninth, and 7/2 feels reaosnable about his chances of a season best result this weekend.
Carlos Sainz to finish in the Top 6 at 7/2 - Corals/Ladbrokes
Finally in the points market, Joylon Palmer is slightly odds-on to collect just his second career points finish, but we reckon that could be worth backing. The Renault is down on power this year, but is very stable so is enjoying a great weekend, and he should have the legs on the Fore India's behind him. he just needs to hold or better his grid slot for this bet to win, and that looks a reasonable enough proposition. Palmer finished 10th in both FP1 and FP3, so his pace looks genuine enough.
Joylon Palmer to finish in the Points at 5/6 (General)