Canadian GP Betting Preview - Best of the rest to take the spotlight in Canada, by Andy Morgan

With plenty of overtaking opportunities, the Canadian Grand Prix has hosted a number of corkers in recent years, suiting the cars that consistently excel on straight lines and reaching top speeds.  Williams and Force India will be looking to make the most of their power advantage and score solid points. Add in the improving Red Bull and the heavily upgraded Ferrari and the 'best of the rest' battle is shaping up to be an intriguing one, perfect for a punt.

Lewis Hamilton looks the man to beat once again
Photo: Octane Photography

Canada is the host for round seven of the 2014 F1 World Championship where the battle reignites between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

After the break up in Monaco where Lewis struggled to accept his teammate beating him for the first time in 5 races, publicly it's all happy families this weekend. The Stevenage man (it's not that bad, I've lived there long enough) looks to have taken a step back and rightly reflected on his antics, knowing he has the historical advantage in Canada to capitalise and take back the World Championship lead. Rosberg on the other hand will need to use the confidence built in Monaco and be on stunning form to challenge Lewis whose late breaking style suits Canada perfectly.  Expect to see the Mercedes drivers pull away, extend their lead in the constructors and lock horns for the seventh time this season.

A one stop strategy is likely for the whole field in dry conditions so obtaining a tactical advantage will be difficult during the race, although safety cars are often seen as drivers dare to extract more out of the car and flirt with the walls.

Never take your eyes off the Canadian GP - guaranteed overtakes, guaranteed drama.

Best bets of the weekend

Quali/Race double: Lewis Hamilton - 1.79

Not a great price but that's just a reflection of the dominance expected by Hamilton this weekend.

Is Valtteri Bottas worth a punt?
Photo: Octane Photography

Podium Finish: Valtteri Bottas - 8.0

Cracking price for a strong-looking Williams, confirmed by Felipe Massa in FP3. Valtteri Bottas has been quiet in recent races but expect him to shine in suitable conditions.

Top 6 Finish: Nico Hulkenburg - 2.56

Nico Hulkenburg has consistently shown this season he has the ability to score good points on a variety of circuits, including Monaco. The Force India continues to show a solid race pace and I expect Hulkenburg to be up there come Sunday.

Other Bets

Safety Car? Yes - 1.68

Enough spins in practice to convince me that there's likely to be a safety car at least once during the race.

Fastest Lap: Nico Rosberg - 3.45

Free practice suggests it's worth betting
on a safety car appearance
Photo: Octane Photography

He often comes on strong during the latter stages of the race. Expect him to conserve tyres and attack Lewis towards the end of the GP putting in a fastest lap in the process.

Qualifying Top 10: Sergio Perez - 1.91

The Force India has the advantage over McLaren and can qualify in the top 10.

Bets we've made this weekend

Quali/Race double: Lewis Hamilton - 1.79

Safety Car? Yes - 1.68

Podium Finish: Valtteri Bottas - 8.0

Fastest Lap: Nico Rosberg - 3.45 

Top 6 Finish: Nico Hulkenburg - 2.56

Andy Morgan can be contacted on Twitter at: @F1BetPreview @Morgie247

All odds courtesy of Betfair Exchange during FP3 on Saturday Afternoon GMT

This post is written by Andy Morgan. It originally featured on F1 2014 Betting Preview and has been reproduced with permission.