Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain  leads the field after the start during the Spain Formula One Grand Prix at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, May 11, 2014.(AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

The class of 2014 does battle heading into turn one at Barcelona, in the opening corner of last season’s Spanish Grand Prix.

I know a few people enjoy putting a little bet on to spice up sporting events, and although Formula One isn’t the most popular sport to bet on, I thought I’d add a few bets before each grand prix that I think have some value.

I’m not saying these predictions and tips will make us rich, but if you fancy having a little bet on the grand prix I hope the following will give you some ideas for where to put your couple of quid on – starting with the forthcoming weekend in Barcelona…


ONE – As it is the Spanish Grand Prix, I think we need to start with Fernando Alonso. In previous years the bet with some value in respect of Alonso would have been for him to win with the support of the Spanish crowd behind him. This year, we may have to look elsewhere for a bit of value. I’m hoping for an improvement from the Honda engine and feel with the home crowd Alonso could sneak his McLaren into the points…

Fernando Alonso to finish in the points – 5/4 (BetVictor, Boylesports, Coral, Skybet, William Hill)


TWO – I feel Kimi Raikkonen has had a good start to the season, but unfortunately his results haven’t shown his progress from last season. I see Barcelona as a good chance for Kimi to get back on the top step of the podium, and show Sebastian Vettel that he is in a fight to be top Ferrari driver this year. When I saw the odds for Kimi to win, they were too good not to have a little dabble…

Kimi Raikkonen to win – 9/1 each way (Bet365, Paddy Power, William Hill)


THREE – Although I firmly believe that Lewis Hamilton will be on pole for the Spanish Grand Prix, his odds are way too short following his impressive start to the year. So for a little bit of value, I’m looking at Nico Rosberg for pole. It may seem a bit of a risk but there is a chance he will regain his qualifying form from last year and I feel the odds are a bit tempting to not have a go…

Nico Rosberg to be on pole – 5/2 (Skybet)


FOUR – Renault are delivering an updated engine to Catalunya, with better driveability and reliability, while Red Bull will almost certainly bring further aerodynamic upgrades – so there is a good chance if every thing goes well, for Daniel Ricciardo to have a good race and finish in the top six. It may require a Mercedes, Ferrari or Williams to have a bad race, but I feel this is the value bet in this market…

Daniel Riccairdo to finish in the top six – 11/8 (Boylesports)


Kyle Cumbers is a member of the NRF1 Podcast crew. Follow Kyle on Twitter @kcumbers