Massa to excel in Germany

With Formula 1 shrouded in controversy following the spying row and Lewis Hamilton having blown his chance to win the British Grand Prix two weeks ago, McLaren have had a fortnight to forget. These recent events, combined with an improving Ferrari engine, could well play into the hands of the Italian teami, and more specifically, Felipe Massa this weekend in Germany. McLaren have been invited to appear before the FIA on 26 July amid claims that their chief designer illegally received information from rivals Ferrari and should they be found guilty, there is the possibility that their drivers Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, will be docked points in the drivers' championship. While these developments could well benefit backers of Räikkönen, who was tipped to take the drivers' title in this column last week and have now seen those odds shorten from 4/1 to 3/1, it must also have distracted the McLaren team, who are also threatened by an improving Ferrari package. McLaren will be doubly determined to win the European Grand Prix in Germany, not least because Mercedes, who provide the engine, have national pride at stake. However after Hamilton's crash in practise and his tenth place on the grid and Fernando Alonso's declining attitude, they have their work cut out. The trouble is Ferrari are on an upward curve, as was demonstrated so manifestly at Silverstone by Räikkönen as he claimed his third GP of the season and his form will benefit those betting on Formula One. The Finn's impressive win, and fastest lap, is a strong indication that the Prancing Horse is simply too hot to handle at present and this is likely to be borne out at the weekend, especially after roaring to pole in practise. The battle for first place is likely to be between Räikkönen and Massa, who finished fifth last time out despite stalling at the start and being forced to start the race in last place. Alonso outperformed Hamilton to finish second at Silverstone but the two-time world champion is not at the height of his powers at present, both due to a slower car and the fact that he feels Hamilton is enjoying preferential status from his mentor Ron Dennis. Expect the two Ferrari's to rekindle the drivers' championship with a one-two at the Nürburgring, with Massa, who is just a point behind his team-mate, representing the value as race winner at 4/1 with William Hill. Verdict: 2pts Massa to win European Grand Prix @ 4/1 (William Hill); 3 pts Ferrari to be winning team at European Grand Prix @ 4/9 (Paddy Power)