Formula 1 Betting 2009
Formula 1 Betting 2009 Review
Well it's all over; but for the singing after the last race of the season, the Abu Dhabi GP. And for one man the party continues here. Congratulations to Jenson Button on his incredible Formula One achievements this year, having scooped the Drivers' Championship in Sao Paulo with that one outstanding race to spare at the beginning of November. The Brazilian GP again provided the setting for last minute F1 drama as it had done approximately a year ago when outgoing F1 champ, Lewis Hamilton stole the title from closest challenger Felipe Massa in the dying moments of the race.
In the event, neither of this season's best placed Formula One combatants duelled it out to the bitter end here in Brazil, with Button finishing in fifth place and Ruben Barichello (the Brit's biggest and most realistic threat all season) back in eighth. Persistant F1 newcomer and clear star of the future, Sebastian Vettel grabbed fourth spot, yet the podium's top spot went to Australian Mark Webber, albeit as something of a sideshow when compared to the main feature in terms of Formula 1 betting 2009 reasoning anyway.
Jensen Button Crowned F1 Drivers' Champion 2009 In Brazil
With the one race remaining, Jenson Button – for so long cast as the nearly man of F1 by many, an unambitious playboy by the few – did more than enough to claim the 2009 Formula One Drivers' Championship as he moved to 89 points for the season, a clear 15 points ahead of second placed Vettel who's amassed as astonishing 74 point in his first series F1 campaign and Barrichello sits in third spot overall with 72 points. Incidentally Mark Webber now commands the fourth spot in the Drivers' Championship with 61.5 points thanks to his Sao Paulo endeavours.
And let's not forget what a fantastic result this is for Brawn GP too, who under owner Ross Brawn created not only a title contending car but ultimately a F1 Championship-winning car no less, as his team of engineers and designers celebrated lifting the F1 Constructor's Championship in recognition of their amazing work throughout the current campaign, despite suffering financial problems and uncertainty at the beginning of the season.
As Button and Brawn GP reflect on where it all went so right for them in 2009 (perhaps storming to victory in six of the first seven Gps had a little something to do with getting off to the right start), lest we not forget some of the other 'issues' that engulfed the sport during the course of the year. Beset by perceived problems and seemingly lurching from one crisis to another, Formula One's image for long spells was dealt a series of cruel blows and twists. The 'Crashgate' scandal involving Renault boss Flavo Briatore (whereby both he and then number one driver, Nelson Piquet Jnr were held accountable for staging a crash during the 2008 Singapore GP to curry favour with then team mate Fernando Alonso's chances of securing last year's title) plunged the motor sport into the depths of despair, whilst earlier allegations centering on Max Mosley's private life did little to enhance the sport's global reputation.
Eventful Season Witnessed By Formula 1 Betting 2009 Fans
On the track itself there were a series of very public slanging matches between rival constructors accusing others of effectively cheating by bypassing (or in some cases, turning a blind eye) to broad-ranging rule changes affecting individual race car performances,specifically the furore over the application of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) in relation to braking assemblage and the return of slick tyres to F1. With regards the action itself, and Felipe Massa's near fatal and horrific crash at the Hungaring during the Hungary GP supposedly prompted the return of modern day F1 great, Michael Schumacher to replace Massa in the Ferrari whilst the former recovered from his injuries. In the end this sensational coup never materialised in spite of a fanfare of positive publicity that at least in some small way countered the less salubrious elements that had gone before and were set to make the headlines shortly afterwards.
Formula 1 betting 2009 predictions and patterns were pretty much as you’d expect before the season opener at Albert Park, Melbourne, when British driver Jenson Button gained pole for the Brawn GP team, and lined up alongside him at the front of a previously unlikely grid was team mate, Rubens Barrichello. After leading from start to finish Button took the chequered flag in the Australian GP and immediately sent out warning signals as to the potential of both him and his Honda-replaced car, relegating Lewis Hamilton (who took third place from a poor grid position) to further down the back pages.
Betting on the 2009 Formula 1 Driver's Championship
On the back of this shock win, Button was immediately installed by many online bookmakers as the man (and Brawn GP, the team) to beat this season at an average price of 11-4 for the championship, currently just piping Hamilton who’s sitting at 9-2 across the markets. Raikkonnen appeared good value at 6-1, along with Barrichello and Massa, with Alonso at 9-1. It may have been too early, but many punters had a wager on the promising German pretender to Michael Schumacher’s vacant F1 crown, Sebastian Vettel, who was available at 12-1 in general.
Betting on the 2009 Formula F1 Constructor's Title
Taking a look at likely outright winners of the constructor’s title, and it’s no surprise to discover Ferrari lead the way at 5-4. However what was interesting to the online betting fan must have been Brawn GP’s price of 7-4. McLaren (13-2), BMW Sauber (7-1) and Red Bull (20-1) were classed as the other early front runners.
Formula 1 Betting 2009 Preview
Despite the side show posturing of F1 Ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone and the awkward positions that Max Mosley found himself in, the FIA Formula One remains arguably the biggest motorsport draw and crowd pleaser in the world. Well, if ignoring America’s obsession with NASCAR. Whilst the later offers more accessibility and a more personable relationship between teams, drivers, sponsors and fans compared to Formula One preferring a have a little more distance in its on and off track activities, there’s no question that when it comes to glamour and an innate sense of history then F1 walks away with it time after time.
Who can argue agin there being a more stylish, decadent race setting than the streets and harbour of Monaco, or likewise a circuit as steeped in motorsport folklore than that of Germany’s famous Nurburgring. With the recent additions of the Bahrain and now the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to the Formula One global road show, 2009 is shaping up to be better than ever; providing manufacturers can make their coffers spread that little bit further during these de-stabilising credit crunch times.
We’ve already seen the team formerly known as Honda throw in their F1-embroidered towel and racing capes as a direct result of not finding a money tree at the end of their garden, whilst Renault have expressed concern over its short-term investment and Force India and Toyota will need to impress their respective shareholders with some points tallies if they’re to continue their association amongst Formula One company next year.
Rule Changes for the 2009 Season
Add to the heady cocktail of excitement and knife-edge survival a glut of new – and occasionally controversial – rule changes and technological improvements for the 2009 F1 year, and all hell nearly broke loose amid the close season as cheating accusations, name calling and general goading was pretty much omnipresent in the pit lanes and boardrooms of the worried manufacturers.
So just what are these rule changes that are stirring up such emotions, and the implications of in real terms? Well winglets, chimneys and barge boards have been deemed surplus to FIA legal requirements (and rightfully return to their canal boat origins??) whilst width is added to the front wings of all Formula One race cars, along with more height to the back wings so as to essentially make the most level playing field amongst the entire grid for the first time in years. Compliance with these seemingly superficial amendments will in effect principally reduce down force to such a degree that will ensure overtaking is more of a common occurrence, and so lend a greater element of excitement to the programme.
Aside from aesthetical stipulations, and the powers that be have come to the conclusion that F1 engines must henceforth last three consecutive races rather than the two as was the case hitherto. Persistent offenders who continue to apply groove technology to their tyre applications will be reprimanded too, as the new laws see slicks given the green light which according to boffins afford 20% more grip.
Introduction of Kers Technology to 2009 Formula 1 Season
The biggest story though has to be the extra-curricular boost all competitors are allowed to adopt for approximately 6 seconds per lap, which relinquishes a further 5mph of oomph. The Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) basically recycles raw energy otherwise lost under braking procedures, yet for reasons probably related to individual manufacturer development costs, not all teams will take advantage of it.
So, by the time motorsport’s primary movers and shakers lined up on the starting grid at Albert Park, Melbourne for the inaugural race of the 2009 Formula One Betting calendar, much water had gone under the proverbial bridge. Not that us Brits cared too much either way, as many of us were still celebrating the unparalleled success of our latest F1 pin-up boy – and the sports youngest ever title winner – Lewis Hamilton. After last year’s trials and tribulations - that continued right up to the final corner in the season decider - all eyes are fixed once again on the Hertfordshire wonder kid as he limbers up to defend his breathtakingly hard fought title of less than six month ago.
Which will be easier said than done as he remains to get to grips with the suspect aerodynamics (and overall pace) on his new McLaren Mercedes, despite the MP4-24 race model being svelte and purposeful looking compared to its rivals whilst also purportedly enjoying the advantages of the aforementioned slick tyre technology that it’s at the forefront of.
Figure in suffering the ignominy of being usurped in his quest for pole by none other than previous part time perennial Formula One underachiever and full time jet-setting playboy, Jenson Button, and Hamilton has definitely got his work cut out once more.
Elsewhere, and current constructor’s champions Ferrari should find themselves well placed on the final podium once the buxom lady chirps her last ceremonial chirp, with Kimi Raikonnen looking to get one over his upstart of a team mate – and Hamilton taunter-in-chief - Felipe Massa after flattering to deceive thus far.
Meanwhile pre-season testing saw Red Bull, BMW Sauber, Renault, Williams and Toyota mark their territory with impressive motion go throughs, although F1 debutants Brawn GP have managed to steal all the headlines before the Formula One circus and its mighty bandwagon rolls into Australia by posting some blistering lap times in practice.
New Formula 1 Team Brawn GP replace Honda
Of course, if you’ve been paying attention you’ll know that Brawn GP is the phoenix-like F1 team that has meteorically risen from the very recently gathered ashes of what was the Honda outfit; a casualty of the present worldwide economic meltdown which has had the ordacity to intervene with the previously untouchable bastion of high-end sporting glitz and glamour, Formula One.
Even harder to believe when discovering that as late as the beginning of March, Brawn GP were still going through the formalities of document signing to ensure their participation in this season’s globe trotting motorsport jamboree. No sooner had they crossed the ‘T’s’ and dotted the ‘I’s’ and they were rubbing the big boys up the wrong way by shooting up the practice lap timesheets like they were old hands.
Which goes to show that Button’s startling pole position in Melbourne might not be the freak accident that many critics concurred, as he – along with team-mate and F1 forgotten man - Rubens Barrichello, have secured rides with Brawn GP in this their virginal outing.
The Teams for the 2009 Formula 1 GP Seaon
McLaren Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton (Britain), Heikki Kovalainen (Finland) – Struggling with the pre-season plot, defending champion Lewis Hamilton will be attempting to co-ordinate an unprecedented back-to-back title win for a British driver this coming year, as the man of the moment springs into nail-biting action. No pressure there then.
Ferrari
Kimi Raikonnen (Finland), Felipe Massa (Brazil) – Odds on favourites as both Constructer and Driver Championship eventual winners, after being piped at the post by Hamilton in 2008, Massa is strongly backed to be emulate the late Ayrton Senna’s F1 title winning achievements, and therein being crowned Brazil’s first F1 champion since 1991. And that’s in the face of Ferrari fretting about the wherewithawal of its new-fangled Kinetic Energy recovery System.
BMW Sauber
Robert Kubica (Poland), Nick Heidfeld (Germany) – Pit lane rumour has it that BMW Sauber are on the button with their interpretation of the KERS power-boosting utilisation, so much so that many pundits see them as a good outside bet for accumulative successes this season. Uncompromising rule changes meant that BMW Sauber had to streamline its race model accordingly, loosing the controversial winglets that many felt that hitherto stood in the way of the team’s progress.
Renault
Fernando Alonso (Spain), Nelson Piquet Jnr (Brazil) – Both team engineers and drivers were talking up their chances of a successful F1 season, predicting podium finishes as Renault challenged for honours, earlier this year. However the collective – and more realistic – ambitions have been downsized with Alonso conceding that there are at least three other manufacturers in better overall shape than his employers. Critics suggest that the R29 race car is short on the necessary traction to make in roads in the Championship, so much so that Alonso was cited as admitting that he’d prefer to drive without the KERS given his lack of faith.
Toyota
Jarno Trulli (Italy), Timo Glock (Germany) – The Japanese contingent it’s fair to say will be looking for their first GP win simply to provide evidence of a return of sorts for the billions invested since its F1 inception back in 2002. Having observed fellow countrymen Honda unceremoniously part company with the Formula One road show on the grounds of, well, being broke, a lot of the contenders are keeping an eagle eye on spending and tightening corporate belts where provident. Toyota are seen by many to be need to getting points on the board most as the season gets under way, and although the vultures aren’t circling yet it might only be a matter of time if their luck doesn’t change soon. Results of testing were encouraging for everyone concerned – not least their drivers with the spectre of a P45 starring them in the face otherwise. The TF109 is identified by its lengthy wheelbase and compact snout, which enables the driver to be perched as far forward as physically possible for weight distribution principles.
Toro Rosso
Sebastien Buemi (Switzerland), Sebastien Bourdais (France) – A tale of two Sebastiens will hopefully see one – if not both – of the Red Bull-racers record a notable finish at some point in the season, with the manufacturer having ditched the Renault V8 power plant of last year and replacing it with a more mean and moody Ferrari plug-in. Following tepid-on-the-heels of last year’s debut F1 win, there’s every likelihood they could repeat this success this time around should all the core components be in place at the same time. Buemi is the 2009 F1 rookie, and along with his tender years (20, making him the youngest entrant) only got the opportunity to get to grips with the Ferrari-powered car this month so could easily struggle from the off. Bourdais meanwhile being a former Champ Car winner needs to watch his back if he doesn’t knuckle down according to some insiders.
Red Bull Racing
Mark Webber (Australia), Sebastian Vettel (Germany) – The Renault-powered RB5 race car has gained much plaudits amongst Formula One friends and foes, with Williams MD Frank Williams citing them as a potential threat to his team. Hindered by ill fortune, Mark Webber is arguably one of the quickest drivers over a single lap, yet needs to turn points into prizes. Or just points into points. Vettel is widely regarded as the greatest driver since a certain Michael Schumacher hung up his racing booties, which immediately places immense pressure on his Australian team mate.
Williams
Nico Rosberg (Germany), Kazuki Nakajima (Japan) –Although keen exponents of its flywheel-based adaptation of the KERS system, Williams wont be deploying the technology from the off; however in testing the Toyota-engined car was showing much improvements, even going as far as to suggest more impressive grid movement this season. A target for McLaren, Rosberg would find himself in much demand should he be disappointed with Williams’ progress in 2009, whilst sole Japanese driver remaining in F1, Nakajima will be looking to secure a long term drive after his debut season. With neutrals claiming the FW31 race car as a good-looking vehicle, there were probing questions raised over its diffuser early doors, yet since relented.
Brawn GP
Jenson Button (Britain), Rubens Barrichello (Brazil) – The newly-formed F1 team that picked up Honda’s baton after the latter's decision to bail out due to the global economic downturn, could well emerge as the shock team in 2009, if its sublime testing results are carried over from racing theory into real lap practice. Brawn couldn’t have landed a more useful-looking ride, with Honda having previously started fettling its 2009 F1 regulation race car so as to abide by stringent new rulings. A resounding Mercedes engine and two very experienced drivers in both Barrichello and Button bodes well for the long season ahead, although detractors might highlight that the limited duration of pre-season testing could cost the team its future should any reliability discrepancies rear their ugly heads.
Force India
Adrian Sutil (Germany), Giancarlo Fisichella (Italy) – Could be quickly out of the blocks with a little help and engineering guidance from McLaren and Mercedes (Transmission and KERS technology for starters), Force India could well be ones to watch and worth an outside bet on during the 2009 season as eager to impress Sutil goes all out to prove his potential on the biggest motorsport stage of them all after showing promising signs at Monaco last year, whilst Fisichella might see the chequered flag coming down on his F1 career soon but you can never bet against him signing off in a blaze of glory.
