Spanish GP betting tips and preview

The Formula One championship moves onto Barcelona after another intriguing round of action in Russia, with Nico Rosberg continuing his early season domination. The circuit of Catalunya is next up on the 2016 schedule as the season continues to flash by, and with four rounds under our belts we know little about which way the championship could develop. Rosberg’s early domination has given the season a rather lopsided look given his car has proved most reliable – and if the other contenders can sort their issues out then the Spanish Grand Prix could certainly turn into another intriguing round of action and despair in equal measure.

Let leading website Planet F1 and Betsafe, guide you to the chequered flag in Barcelona with top betting tips and the best odds with this comprehensive preview.

Rosberg Reigns in Russia

Another action-packed weekend unfolded in Russia as the Formula One championship rolled into Sochi for round four of the 2016 season. Again, it was Saturday that shaped the story of Sunday as reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton had another engine failure, meaning a start from 10th was the best the Brit could muster.

With Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel handed a five-place grid penalty for a change of gear box, his upward progress was halted after pegging a time which would’ve seen him start from second position.

But that was as good as it would get for the German as a Sunday to forget unfolded through little fault of his own.

A constant theme throughout the opening exchanges this year as the lights have gone out has been the collisions caused by drivers desperate to get to the front – and Sunday in Sochi was no different.

Vettel, who has had a turbulent season to date, forced his way through the pack from the line but Red Bull’s Daniil Kvyat had other ideas after not once but twice barrelling into the back of the Scuderia.

The 29-year-old was sent spinning, causing an end to his afternoon as a bad start to the season turned into an awful one with another rotten stroke of luck.

As Kvyat was handed a 10-second penalty Hamilton had stormed to the front like a man possessed, sitting fourth as the safety car was deployed, hoping to end his barren run of results.

With Rosberg sitting comfortably at the front his Silver Arrows team-mate made light work of passing Williams driver Valterri Bottas to take second as he set his sights on his German counterpart.

But Rosberg was not to be beaten as he stormed to his first ever Formula One ‘grand slam’ after claiming pole and leading from flag to flag on his way to a fourth consecutive win and his first in Russia.

Although the Scuderia’s reliability problems with Vettel have made headlines, Kimi Raikkonen’s progress at Ferrari appears to be going unnoticed as he secured his 82nd podium of his career in Russia.

With Rosberg having opened up a 46-point lead atop the championship, the rest of the field are laying in his wake, with the 30-year-old and his Silver Arrows team yet to put a foot wrong this season.

What To Expect

The German has been in scintillating form since the flag dropped in Melbourne at the start of the year and as we head to Barcelona it is difficult to see past him once again.

Baby steps have been made for the reigning world champion and although we can expect Hamilton to give his all, as he does every time he takes to the track, it is difficult to see past Rosberg who is brimming full of confidence.

Vettel will also be hoping to reclaim some pride after a difficult start to the season came to the boil in Russia following an opening lap DNF resulting in an outpouring of anger over his car radio that should have Red Bull quaking in their boots.

Ferrari have historically ran well at the circuit and with Vettel’s extra motivation, we could see a backlash from the Scuderia this weekend, but few would back against Rosberg making it five in a row as the German aims for that elusive first Formula One crown.

The Circuit

Circuit de Catalunya Guide

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been ever-present on the Formula One calendar since 1991 and features heavily throughout the year as a testing facility for the paddock.

Barcelona’s mix of high and low-speed corners and its abrasive bumpy track surface means it is one of the most physically and mechanically demanding races of the year for the teams and drivers.

The gruelling race spans 307.104km over 66 laps, meaning tyre wear can become an issue and is sure to throw up a few problems for teams who have struggled with reliability so far in 2016

Among the current crop of drivers on the grid Kimi Raikkonen (2), Fernando Alonso (2), Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa all boast victories in Spain.

With Schumacher’s domination Ferrari hold the most wins at the circuit with a massive 12 in the bag. McLaren and Williams follow closely behind with eight and there is a surprise inclusion for Lotus who hold seven.

Mercedes have enjoyed a recent domination at the circuit, with wins in 2014 and 2015 hauling their tally up to four total victories at the circuit, while Red Bull sit bottom of the pile with two of the current teams in the paddock..