With the uncertainty of who is quickest in Shanghai after very limited running of the cars on Friday due to poor weather, the odds for race day have proved to be very favourable towards punters.
If the weather forecast stays as it is, Saturdays qualifying will be more important than usual given the bad weather forecast for Sunday's race.
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton looks a great price to get his maiden victory of the season at 11/10. With long straights and cooler temperatures the Mercedes car shouldn't chew its tyres like it did in Australia. Hamilton has won 2 of the last 3 Grand Prix in China and will be looking to dampen the spirits in the Ferrari camp after their win two weeks ago in Melbourne.
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Having said that another attractive price is Max Verstappen to get on the podium at 7/4. With wet weather forecast across the weekend the form the teenager showed in Brazil proved he has what it takes in the wet conditions. His performance in Melbourne was strong and he will be up for the challenge of the tricky conditions here in Shanghai.
Moving down towards the middle of the field and Romain Grosjean to land a points finish for Haas is another good looking prospect coming in at 10/11. The Frenchman had a fantastic qualifying session in Melbourne after picking up 6th place but failed to materialise it into a points finish after retiring with a water leak so early on.
McLaren haven't had a great start to the season, going all the way back to testing they've struggled with power and reliability with their Honda power unit.
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After a horrible Australian Grand Prix I can't see much improvement here in China. With the long straights of the Shanghai circuit it wouldn't be inconceivable to have a double DNF from the McLaren team. Back a Stoffel Vandoorne DNF at 5/6 and a Fernando Alonso DNF at 11/10.
After a double points finish in Melbourne Toro Rosso will be setting their sights on repeating the feet here in China. Both Carlos Sainz and Danil Kvyat both had positive races two weeks ago even when things didn't exactly go their way.
Kvyat was running ahead of his teammate before an engine issue forced him into an extra stop. The Russian still finished in the points behind Sainz but I could definitely see another double points finish coming Toro Rosso's way at 7/4.
The podium combination of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton is one of the strongest markets out there this weekend at 1/2. Although the weekend is tricky to predict thanks to weather and lack of running, there is no doubt that the Ferrari and Mercedes will be running right at the very front of the field, in what order though, remains to be seen.
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All we know is that providing the weather doesn't persist as much as it did for Friday's practice sessions. Saturday and Sunday will be very interesting and the race is up for grabs.
Words By: Luke Mitchell
