Singapore Grand Prix 2014 Odds and Preview – Formula One Betting September 22

The Singapore Grand Prix is probably the most thrilling on the F1 calendar. Ignore the fact that the Marina Bay street circuit is only quicker, in real terms, than Monaco. There is something about racing under lights than captivates the imagination. Drivers and fans alike love it – as do the TV cameras. Singapore’s modern skyline provides a breathtaking backdrop to the action and the circuit itself is one of the toughest of the year on the cars. The road surface is far from smooth and it can be tough to concentrate knowing you are barrelling along at high speed alongside concrete walls. High temperatures, humidity and an extended distance add to the heady mix and the pressure will be telling on Mercedes rivals Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Rosberg still holds a 22-point lead over his team-mate in the Drivers’ Championship but Hamilton took advantage of the German’s mistake to win at Monza last time, gaining some measure of revenge for a controversial collision at Spa which many don’t think was entirely accidental. We’re well into the second half of the season now so every point is going to be precious but bookmakers think that momentum is now with the Briton, who is now a best 10/11 to win the Drivers’ Championship. Rosberg is Evens on betfair and with Coral and William Hill. Hamilton is also favourite for this week’s Singapore Grand Prix at 4/5 with BetVictor and Coral with Rosberg available at 21/10 with Paddy Power. But this could be a race in which it pays to look beyond the Mercedes arch-rivals. Fernando Alonso has won twice in Singapore since it was first added to the calendar in 2008 but it’s difficult to place any faith in Ferrari at present and he’s given a 40/1 quote by BetVictor this year. Red Bull have won the last three, all through Sebastian Vettel, but it’s the world champion’s up-and-coming team-mate Daniel Ricciardo who provides the value bet. Vettel is 25/1 with sportingbet to complete a four-timer this weekend, twice the odds of Ricciardo (12/1 with Betfred and Stan James). That doesn’t look right at first glance but, whereas Vettel has shrunk in the face of Mercedes’ domination this year, the Australian has relished the challenge. His last three drives have been outstanding and he’s been on the podium after seven of the last 10 races. Beating Rosberg and Hamilton may be beyond him but the slowness of the circuit will help the Red Bull and another top three finish is 6/5 at William Hill.