Formula One Betting – Part One

Guest post written by Paul Micelli

In terms of technology, individual performances and team cohesion, Formula One racing has to be classed as one of the most complex sporting markets of all. Race outcomes are usually decided on fractional margins and it’s the minor details that make Formula One such an enthralling betting market. Vehicle weight, fuel loads, tyres and pushing the rules to the limit are all vital factors in determining performance and students of form need to be incredibly astute if they are to make long-term profits from this exciting sport.

Most importantly, no two races are ever really the same. Events take place all over the world and the dry, searing heat in places such as Australia and Dubai can be replaced by heavy rains or monsoons in locations such as Great Britain or Malaysia within the space of a couple of weeks. Although changing conditions are fantastic for the entertainment of Formula One spectators, it can make things incredibly difficult for drivers, their teams and, of course, sports betting enthusiasts.

Knowing the Rules

The rules of Formula One racing are incredibly complex and constructors are presented with fresh challenges on an increasingly regular basis as the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) seeks to obtain parity for all race entrants. Cars are expected to meet certain requirements in terms of safety and performance and the amount of testing and practice allowed is relatively limited, especially on race weekends. Any diversion from the rules and race entrants can face point penalties, financial punishments and suspensions. Although the rules can be stretched to a certain degree, the consequences for breaking them can be incredibly severe.

Getting it Right

Take a look at any major event in the annual sporting calendar and it’s usually very easy to find consistent performers who approach their chosen fields with passion and dedication. However, the world of the Formula One driver and their teams is a different realm altogether so commitment levels need to be at a maximum at all times. The margins applied in Formula One racing are incredibly tight and the slightest mistake or the wrong choice of set-up on a car can cost that fractional percentage of time that separates winners from also-rans.

The 2010 Calendar

The global popularity of Formula One racing sees new circuits being built on a regular basis and events are now held in every corner of the world. The current 2010 season has spectators following their favourite drivers and constructors at the following locations:

• Bahrain (11^th to 13^th March

• Australia (24^th to 27^th March)

• Malaysia (8^th to 10^th April)

• China (15^th to 17^th April)

• Turkey (6^th to 8^th May)

• Spain (20^th to 22^nd May)

• Monaco (26^th to 29^th May)

• Canada (10^th to 12^th June)

• Europe/Valencia (24^th to 26^th June)

• Great Britain (8^th to 10^th July)

• Germany (22^nd to 24^th July)

• Hungary (29^th to 31^st July)

• Belgium (26^th to 28^th August)

• Italy (9^th to 11^th September)

• Singapore (23^rd to 25^th September)

• Japan (7^th to 9^th October)

• Korea (14^th to 16^th October)

• India (28^th to 30^th October)

• Abu Dhabi (11^th to 13^th November)

• Brazil (25^th to 27^th November)