HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX FIXED ODDS BETTING PREVIEW

Another back to back weekend after Germany sees the teams rushing to get cars ready for the race day, leaving no time for development work or testing to be conducted. Hungary is a similar venue to Hockenheim featuring low average speeds and a constant series of tight twists and turns. The general lack of use of the circuit, combined with the high temperatures and low speeds tends to be murder on the rear tyres which spend much of the lap struggling to transmit engine power to the road surface. The hot weather conditions and low speed tend to suit Michelin more. Chassis wise, good mechanical grip and reliability are the key, in particular the ability to get a solid qualifying lap in to minimise the amount of the race spent in someone's dirty air trying to make a pass. A major blockage to the spectators enjoyment of the Hungarian GP is the complete and utter lack of overtaking opportunities, some would argue this circuit is as hard to overtake on as Monaco, just less glamorous to boot. Despite this several drivers claim to enjoy driving at the venue, particularly one Fernando Alonso who scored his maiden F1 victory here in 2003 making him the sports youngest ever winner. Alonso now holds a commanding 36 point lead in the championship following yet more misfortune for challenger Kimi Raikkonen after yet another failure in Germany. The Finn must be wondering if things are ever going to work out for him, he's driving superbly and has the fastest car yet things just aren't happening the way they should. To add insult to injury, his retirement in Germany now means he is first out in qualifying which is sure to compromise his grid position.To me the disappointment of the season has been the way Giancarlo Fisichella has allowed his Renault team mate (Alonso) to overshadow him. Many people thought this Renault would be the key to unlocking Fisi's undoubted potential but he appears to have no answer for his team mates relentless race day pace and consistency. Having said all that he is still a demon qualifier and if he can get on that number one spot on Saturday, he is in with a good shout come race day. Mclaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya may profess his hatred of the circuit, but he has been running in a rich vein of form recently and seems to be a bit more lucky than his team mate. If qualifying goes well enough he could well be challenging for a podium on race day. Whilst they haven't openly admitted it yet, Ferrari must have given up on 2005. The package they have brought to the season has been slow, unreliable and desperately inconsistent. They may still win a race (properly) before the end of the season but it will more be a case of the Renaults and Mclaren's slipping up than Ferrari coming good. In fact Ferrari appear to have been surpassed by BAR now in terms of race day performances. Red Bull Racing will be looking for another points scoring outing with BAR now hot on their heels for 6th in the constructors championship. The team has had a very solid first season all in all and hold a real trump card in the form of a rejuvenated David Coulthard who seems to have regained his form of old. The second drivers seat at RBR is up for grabs for 2006 also so expect team mate Klein to be trying extra hard to impress.Jenson Button took a podium finish in Germany for BAR and will be looking to keep momentum up and the points rolling in here. A descent qualifying run and a bit of good luck in the race could well see the Britton back on the podium again. Team mate Sato has amazingly yet to score a point in 2005. Bad luck has been involved but the pride of Japan will be keen to just get to the end of the race and collect a couple of points to break his duck.Looking forward to qualifying and we could see a few surprises. The importance of qualifying near the front at this circuit means many will be tempted to run an ultra low fuel load. Alonso will be tough to beat however so he has to be the favourite, particularly with arch rival Raikkonen so compromised by the running order.Race day will likely be another Alonso demonstration drive so he's my receommendation to take his 7th win of 2005 and another step closer to being F1's youngest ever champion.