Darry Worthington writes that the field will once again take to the Bahrain Street Circuit for what is essentially a repeat of last weekend’s Grand Prix. Last weekend saw Lewis Hamilton march to yet another 2020 win.
The ‘Brit won’t be around this weekend, however, as he’s tested positive for COVID-19. His absence means we’re in for a very open Grand Prix this Sunday.
Motorsports: FIA Formula One World Championship 2020, Preseason Testing in Barcelona,
#8 Romain Grosjean (FRA, Haas F1 Team), *** Local Caption *** +++ www.hoch-zwei.net +++ copyright: HOCH ZWEI +++
Photo by Icon Sport
Sakhir Grand Prix
Sunday 6 December
Bahrain International Circuit
To Win Race Outright
Max Verstappen 15/10
Valterri Bottas 7/4
George Russel 11/4
Sergio Perez 25/1
Alexander Albon 33/1
Daniel Ricciardo 66/1
Carlos Sainz 66/1
Lando Norris 66/1
Previous Race
Well, things went pretty much as expected last weekend with Lewis Hamilton cantering to yet another victory. Unfortunately, he wasn’t joined by my value bet, Sebastian Vettel, who finished way down in 13th place. Instead, the Mercedes ace was joined by Max Verstappen (second) and Verstappen’s teammate, Alexander Albon.
The Red Bulls were followed across the line by the McLaren’s of Lando Norris (fourth) and Carlos Sainz fifth, while the top six was rounded out by the Alpha of Pierre Gasly.
A massive crash that culminated in Romain Grojean’s dramatic escape from his burning Haas, saw things get tight near the back of the top ten less than a lap in. Daniel Ricciardo would eventually claim seventh. The Australian was followed across the line by Mercedes man Valterri Bottas, while the last two spots went to Esteban Ocon and Charles LeClerc.
Track
We are at the Bahrain International Circuit again this week. The track was dominated by the quicker straight-line cars last weekend and straight-line speed will come into play again. With that in mind, the Mercedes and Red Bulls are likely to be the dominant forces.
We saw quite a few crashes last weekend, which shows just how little room for error there is when overtaking on some areas of the circuit.
The weather looks good with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-to-low twenties being forecast for the weekend.
Verdict: Max Verstappen 15/10
With Hamilton out of the running, the race will now be wide open. Verstappen enjoyed a decent time of it at the Bahrain International Circuit last weekend bringing his car across the line in second place. I reckon he’ll take full advantage of Hamilton’s absence this weekend and take top honours.
I reckon the real value these week lies in a Verstappen win which is why this market is also my value bet for the weekend.
Image copyright – Steve Haag Sports
