This could be another exciting race with competitive performances from a number of drivers and teams. Today, the 5 day forcast for Imola shows mainly showers. At the Australian GP, 3 weeks ago, Friday practice was in showers and the Michilen teams all had an advantage. So if the weather comes through as expected then it could be more of the same.

Again, I'm expecting Renault to be at the top. One important thing to note about Renault at this GP is that Fisichella has use of the new b-spec engine, while Alonso must continue to use the same a-spec engine used in Melbourne. This should all but cancel any driver advantage Alonso has over his team mate. Alonso is too short IMO, at $2.80, to back with confidence this race.

At McLaren, Raikkonen is using an old engine, which may bring relaibility into question. Montoya, I think, has a new engine but his pace so far this year has been a little dissapointing. McLaren are simmering still - they should be boiling. I'm waiting at least another race before tipping them for a win.

Imola is the Ferrari home track. They performed well here last year and should do so again this year. Both drivers have new improved engines which should help also. Questions remain about their tires however, particularly if it's showering.

Toyota have been fast in last weeks testing. Quicker than all except the Renaults. There is plenty of value about for this team - get on 'em.

I'm having doubts over the Honda development. They are not showing the same pace relative to their competition and so I'm not considering them a factor this race.


Here are some early bets:
OB 106.3 Units

TAB Sportsbet don't have thier top3 markets open yet but I'd say the Trulli price here is over the top.

Win
Trulli 1 Unit @ $81.00

Sportsbet Australia

Hd to Hd
Montoya 3 units @ $1.90 vs Button

Group - Barrichello, Trulli, Heidfeld, Villenuve, Coulthard
Trulli 3 Units @ $4.00

Top3
Fisichella 3 Units @ $3.00

CB 96.3 Units