Initiative with Raikkonen to catch McLaren

Kimi Raikkonen is 7/2 with Sporting Odds to claim the driver's championship and don't expect that price to hold out for too much longer. The Finn may be 18 points behind Lewis Hamilton in the standings but amid all the hype surrounding the English rookie at Silverstone Raikkonen put on a superb performance to take the chequered flag and prove that Ferrari is categorically a faster car than MacLaren. Hamilton has made a sensational start to his debut season with nine consecutive podium finishes but his two mistakes at Silverstone, under extreme pressure, compounded by handling problems during the race is the first sign that the 10/11 title favourite is not infallible. More importantly, neither is the MacLaren-Mercedes car. Defending champion Fernando Alonso appears to be struggling to regain the supremacy he has enjoyed in the sport over the last two seasons and is seemingly still piqued by the special attention Hamilton is enjoying under mentor Ron Dennis. Alonso's two first place finishes and two seconds are by no means a disgrace but the Spaniard was outfoxed and outpaced by a sublime race run by Raikkonen at Silverstone. The 27-year-old Finn had to start the race at Silverstone on the dirty side of the track and contend with two MacLarens lining up directly behind one another. Hamilton boxed Raikkonen off at the start to stop him overtaking at the first bend and he was second to Alonso after the first round of refuelling stops. However, the Ferrari man bided his time, conserving fuel and tyres before hitting Alonso hard on his second stop and storming to victory. Raikkonen is the only driver to win three grands prix this season and though there are only eight races left, Ferrari's current superiority combined with the Finn's growing maturity suggest he could yet reel in the two MacLaren men. William Hill are offering 10/1 on Lewis Hamilton failing to add to his current tally of GP wins. For the aforementioned reasons that is an appealing offer. Hamilton fans, meanwhile, can get 4/1 on the rookie finishing on the podium after every remaining race. Verdict: 2pts Raikkonen to win drivers title @ 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.