Our F1 expert backs Ice Man Kimi to keep it cool and win in Bahrain heat
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Isn’t this all bubbling up quite nicely? Two races down, one win apiece for Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, and two very closely matched cars.
Red Bull was the surprise package in China but there’s no time to reflect on the second race as the F1 circus heads straight to Bahrain for another Grand Prix this weekend.
With the race taking place under floodlights, this is a tricky one for the teams but that opens up the possibility of some unexpected results for you to back…
Raikkonen to win the race @ 9/1
Kimi Raikkonen has not made the best start to the new season, running well off Vettel’s pace in Australia and then being hurt by his team’s strategy in China.
The Finn has traditionally gone well in Bahrain, however, and has a car that is clearly capable of challenging for the win.
Hot conditions should play more into Ferrari’s hands and Raikkonen also has a point to prove after criticism from the Ferrari president on Sunday night.
His last two visits to Bahrain have yielded second place finishes, so Raikkonen has all the ingredients to make that final step up on Sunday.
Red Bull to set the fastest lap @ 6/1
The new Red Bull has been one of the disappointments of 2017 in terms of outright pace, with the gap to Mercedes and Ferrari in qualifying over a second. But in the race the deficit is reduced.
Aero kings for so long, this year’s Red Bull lacks outright downforce but is quick in a straight line as it has less drag, which should help on the long straights in Bahrain.
The high temperatures will also help the team turn its tyres on more easily, something Mercedes and Ferrari have been able to do better in the opening two races.
A Williams in the top six @ Evens
China was a pretty disastrous race for Williams but its lack of performance in cold and wet conditions continues a recent trait.
Qualifying showed the car is quick in dry conditions, and the team has scored points with both cars in each of the last three Bahrain GPs.
If you want longer odds then back Lance Stroll at 12/1, but Felipe Massa is the safer bet of the two at 4/5.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
