British Grand Prix Betting Preview

With the US GP no more than a distant farcical memory in many people's eyes, attention turns back to the title race. Alonso made no attempt to hide his determination to be crowned F1's youngest ever World Champion with a dominant lights to flag victory in France last weekend.His only natural competition, Kimi Raikkonen had his race effectively ruined by an engine failure in second practice incurring a ten place grid penalty, meaning he lined up in 13th for Sundays race. In terms of race pace, Kimi was the only driver who could live with Alonso, repeating what we have all witnessed several times this season.Michael Schumacher drove a great race to take the second step of the podium, although the pace of the Ferrari/Bridgestone combo just isn't near the mark when compared to the top Michelin teams. The team is still fighting for the title but the expected upturn in performance just has not happened yet.Silverstone very nearly didn't have a GP at all this year with the ongoing dispute between the circuit's owners (BRDC) and the FIA. Thankfully all that was smoothed over pre season meaning the spectators get the chance to attend one of the most overpriced and poorly facilitated GP's of the year, hurrah. The plus point of the British GP is the track which has a good mix of high and low speed sections, including some very opportune overtaking possibilities. Most of the teams test extensively at this venue so don't expect any surprises to the form book as most drivers will have got a set up which works well for them already. The forward moving team of the moment appears to be Toyota who are year on year moving up the field and with the massive resources behind them, they will shortly find themselves at the sharp end of the paddock challenging for the wins. Both Toyota drivers, Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher go well at Silverstone and it's likely we will see both Toyotas in points scoring positions at some point on Sunday.Conversely to make room for Toyota, Williams have very kindly dropped down the pecking order. Williams have also been dealt the blow of learning that Sauber will be using their BMW engine supply in the future. Times are looking bleak for the once great team.Red Bull Racing has been given a boost by DC agreeing to a year's extension of his contract and the news they will be using Ferrari engines next season. Their form has dipped slightly after an impressive opening stint to the season although points should still be a possibility for former British GP winner Coulthard. Team mate Klein will also be keen to impress as he attempts to cling on to the number two seat for 2006.British favourite Jenson Button will be desperately keen to please his fans this weekend, although the team has only just managed to score its first points of the season. If everything runs like clockwork and he has some luck a podium may just be possible although he'll be happy just to score some more points.Raikkonen is the firm favourite to win the race given his recent pace and the successful tests at the venue; however a question mark remains over just how much Alonso was holding back in France. For this reason I'll pick Alonso for the win. Qualifying is as always likely to be clouded by fuel load and tactics, although that man Alonso has been a consistent front runner.