Red Bull dominance all too familiar for rivals in Belgium
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The Red Bull’s of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber laid down a marker in Belgium as they headed the field in Friday’s practice.
It was the world champion who lead the way, with a 1.49.331, while his team-mate followed close behind with a 1.49.390 leaving Red Bull as the standout 11/10 favs to take the win.
The 26-year-old has won once before around Spa back in 2011 and was just edged out by Jenson Button in 2012. His RB9 has consistently been at the front of the field and the early indications are that is unlikely to change here.
Webber was equally impressive as the pair finished a substantial eight tenths of a second ahead of the chasing pack.
The Aussie is 8/1 to be first across the line on Sunday and register his first success around the Circuit de Francorchamps.
Lewis Hamilton endured a testing day as he complained of a lack of grip coming from his Mercedes as well as having issues with his brakes throughout the sessions.
The Brit ended up 12th but with the usually impressive pace of the Silver Arrows he will appeal at 7/2 on a track where he emerged victorious in 2010.
7/1 shot Fernando Alonso was quickest in P1 when the rain came into play but was pushed back to seventh at the end of the session after he suffered a puncture, preventing him from completing a race-simulation lap.
Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen was prowling all day but never really troubled the top of the charts, eventually recording the sixth fastest time.
The Finn’s experience around this track could be crucial come race day and the four-time Belgian Grand Prix winner looks excellent value at 6/1 to be atop of the podium.
