Hamilton Hungary for win

As the tit-for-tat spying row gathers momentum with McLaren now accusing Ferrari of cheating in Australia this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix appears to have been lost in the crossfire. McLaren's team boss Ron Dennis has hit back at Ferrari after Formula One's governing body, the FIA, decided to re-open the spying controversy by referring the decision not to punish the British team to its court of appeal. In an open letter to the FIA Dennis congratulates now-sacked Ferrari performance director Nigel Stepney for blowing the whistle on his team by informing McLaren that Ferrari's car was in breach of FIA regulations. The Italian outfit were subsequently obliged to remove a flexi-floor from their car after it was confirmed to be illegal by the FIA. "Were it not for Mr Stepney drawing this illegal device to the attention of McLaren, and McLaren drawing it to the attention of the FIA, there is every reason to suppose that Ferrari would have continued to race with an illegal car," says Dennis. "It is in the interests of F1 that whistle-blowing is encouraged and not discouraged. If team members think that their identity will be revealed they will not whistle-blow." And so the row rumbles on with espionage and counter-espionage claims muddying the waters of an otherwise exciting F1 championship, which will see the bitter rivals going head to head at the hot and dusty Hungaroring - a circuit not known for easy overtaking.Conditions should suit McLaren, whose car is currently not as fast as the Prancing Horse but is more reliable. If Lewis Hamilton can continue his miracle qualifying performances - and avoid careering into a wall at 200mph - then the chances are he will be able to hold off Ferrari on a track riddled with punishing bends. Hamilton failed to finish on the podium for the first time last time out in Germany but his high-speed crash in qualifying meant he had to start from the back of the grid in a groggy physical state. He was also unlucky that the elements did for his slick tyres as he took the risk of staying out in the rain to try and close the gap on the leaders. Essentially, he was always playing catch-up, but with conditions expected to be hot in Hungary, 9/2 about Hamilton clinching his second win makes for large appeal as does the 3/1 about him clinching pole. Fernando Alonso, just two points behind his McLaren team-mate, will be buoyed by his win in the European Grand Prix and now has the bit between his teeth, while there is nothing to choose between Massa and Kimi Räikkönen, who will feel he needs to win if he is to remain in the title race. But with the Finn's engine cutting out last time around and Felipe Massa also falling foul of the weather this is a great chance for the greater reliability of McLaren to win the day. Verdict: 2pts Hamilton to claim pole @ 3/1 (Sporting Odds); 2pts Hamilton to win @ 7/2 (Sporting Odds) SportingOdds are offering all new customers £100 worth of free bets. Click here and open an account today. SportingOdds is interactive, instant, bringing you the fun and excitement of a revolutionary way of betting. SportingOdds aim to provide you with an unrivalled in running service, coupled with a comprehensive range of betting opportunities. With a blend of best prices, mass in-play coverage and various customer incentives, SportingOdds is a favourite with punters from Dundee to Dover.