F1 Malaysian Grand Prix Betting

THE MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX

HISTORY
The origins of the Malaysian Grand Prix lie with the Formula Two Grand Prix, which took place on Singapore’s Thompson Road circuit in the period 1962 to 1965, when Singapore was part of the Malaysian federation. The Malaysian Grand Prix achieved Formula One Championship status in 1999, moving to the Sepang circuit. The Malaysian climate, which can change very quickly, from extremely hot to tropical storm, has undoubtedly influenced the results of the nine Malaysian Grands Prix held to date. Perhaps the most remarkable Grand Prix held at Sepang was the inaugural World Championship event in 1999. Michael Schumacher returned after breaking a leg in the same year’s British Grand Prix. Having looked certain to win, he deliberately handed the race to Ferrari team-mate (and Drivers’ Championship contender) Eddie Irvine. Subsequently, both Ferraris were disqualified due for technical irregularities. As a result, Mika Hakkinen, of Finland won the Drivers’ Title by just two points. In 2001, a torrential downpour made race conditions very difficult. Both Ferraris (Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello) spun off virtually simultaneously at the same corner. However, remarkably, they recovered, with Schumacher leading a Ferrari “1-2.” At times in the race, the Ferraris were lapping five seconds faster than any other car in the field. At one stage, Jos Verstappen, surprisingly, led. However, on a drying track, he was unable to sustain his effort, eventually finishing seventh.

Previous Winners – World Championship Races Only
1999 Eddie Irvine (Ferrari)
2000 Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
2001 Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
2002 Ralf Schumacher (BMW-Williams)
2003 Kimi Raikkonen (McLaren)
2004 Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
2005 Fernando Alonso (Renault)
2006 Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault)
2007 Fernando Alonso (McLaren)

THE MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX TODAY
Since 2001, the Malaysian Grand Prix has been moved from the end of the season to the beginning.
This has been the cause of some unexpected results, with both Constructors and Drivers still coming to terms with new equipment. There is a tight double hairpin bend at the first corner of the Sepang circuit.
The scramble for position going into this corner has also influenced race results. The Sepang circuit was given a renewed contract in 2006 to organise the Malaysian Grand Prix until 2010. The 2008 Malaysian Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday 23rd March, the second Grand prix of the season, after Melbourne on 16th March. It will be the first night-time event in Formula One history, although many have reservations about safety issues. However, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed a night race stating, “This will be the first fully lit street race in Formula One.”

BETTING ON THE MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX
Online bookmakers will offer a range of markets on the Malaysian Grand Prix. However, as of February 1st, no prices appear to be available. When price do become available, online markets are likely to include:

Winning Driver
Predict the race-winning driver. Each-way terms are 1/5 the odds a place 1, 2, 3.

Winning Constructor
Predict the race-winning constructor. Win only.

Highest Scoring Constructor
Constructors usually run two cars in each race. Online betting is available on the constructor that will score the highest aggregate points. Win only.

In the above three markets, the bookmakers favourites are likely to be those foremost in the betting for the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, namely Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton, McLaren and Ferrari.

Finish in Points
Along with outright prices to win the race, online betting sites offer prices on a particular driver to finish in the points, i.e. to finish in the first eight. Prices are generally about one-tenth of the outright race-winning price.

Match Bets
Online bookmakers also offer prices for one driver to beat another, regardless of the race result. Drivers with similar winning chances are matched against each other, with each priced at 10/11 to either finish in front of the other, or complete more laps (if both retire).

Fastest Lap in Race
Prices are offered on the driver achieving the fastest lap in the race. Win only

“In-running” Betting
As the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix is televised, online betting is available on the outright result of the race, whilst it is in progress. Each-way terms vary, depending on the state of the race at the time. Every Grand Prix is subject to a number of retirements, be it through accident, car damage or engine trouble. This type of bet may be useful as a “get-out,” if an outright selection has been force to retire form the race.

Qualifying
Although most betting interest centres around the race itself, online betting sites also offer prices for the previous day’s qualifying session, such as which driver will achieve pole position on the grid.

Tip
Formula One is not an individual sport. A driver’s ability is obviously important, but the “backroom” mechanics and those in the pit lane also have a great influence. Assess the ability of the team as a whole, before parting with your cash!

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    • Written by Bet123 · Filed Under Formula One 

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