Following Lewis Hamilton’s success on home soil two weeks ago, attention now turns to Hockenheim for the European Grand Prix.

With three drivers tied on 48 points and Robert Kubica two points back in fourth, spread betting punters could be looking at one of the most exciting and open title races in years. Hamilton is second favourite to win the title and his season points can be bought at 102 at Sportingindex – seven points less than what he achieved in his debut season. Raikkonen is the favourite to retain his crown and can be bought at 105, but sellers will be interested to learn that he retired in this race last year (staged at the Nurburgring) despite starting from pole. However, sellers should also be aware that the Finn does hold the track record at this circuit.

Hockenheim is one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the season due to its idyllic location in the middle of the Rhine Forest. The track was heavily criticised when it was redeveloped in 2002, but the hair-pin at the end of the straight provide plenty of clever over-taking possibilities. Alonso and Schumacher have won the last four German / European races, so a new name is almost certainly likely to be on the trophy at the end of this one. Buyers of Felipe Massa in the race win index will be hoping he can improve one place after finishing second to Alonso last year by 8.1 second. Interestingly, punters may not have to side with the driver in pole for the race, as the last three winners have all been second or third on the grid.