Australian Grand Prix by Tony T

Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix sees the first race in the new era of Formula 1 racing. There have been a number of significant changes. The cars will be powered by smaller engines. The 2.4-litre naturally aspirated V8s engines have been replaced by 1.6-litre V6 turbo. F1 is attempting to become greener. The amount of fuel a driver can use for a race has been reduced by 33%. The new engines will incorporate more “hybrid technology” known as ERS. ERS stands for “energy recovery system” and is made up of the Kers system that has been around for a while and a second electric motor fitted to the turbo, in short less fuel and same power.

Mercedes powered cars go into the season in confident mood having been able to test extensively in Bahrain and Jerez. Taking the Bahrain test as an example the Mercedes powered Williams were able to complete 438 laps while defending constructors champions Red Bull only completed 182 laps in well published problem testing sessions, and after only completing 21 laps in 4 days at Jerez in February.

Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nicco Rosberg underline the favouritism for this year’s driver’s championship by heading 2nd practice in Australia.

Hamilton was 4/10s of a second quicker than 3rd place Fernando Alsonso, after Hamilton’s Mercedes broke down in first practice.

The Red Bull cars finished practice in a respectable fourth and sixth place, with Sebastian Vettel 7/10s of a second slower than Lewis Hamilton. Based on this encouraging showing in 2nd practice the 10/1 generally available price for Vettel to win the race on Sunday maybe the best value each-way bet of the weekend.

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.