Canada: pre-qualifying 2017

Ahead of practice I tipped No Safety Car at 3 [Ladbrokes]. The reasoning behind that bet is that in the last 7 races there have been 2 featuring a safety car appearance, and the weather forecast is for the race to be dry. It’s not a dead cert, but I do feel the odds are too long.

Update: ahead of third practice I read that the tyres aren’t providing much grip and everyone’s spinning. Not a definite wrecker of the bet, but not helpful…

In first practice Hamilton was fastest, two-tenths up on Vettel, with Bottas and Raikkonen close behind. Perez and Ocon were next, with Verstappen, Massa, Ricciardo and Kvyat rounding out the top 10.

Raikkonen was fastest in second practice, two-tenths up on Hamilton, who was closely followed by Vettel. Bottas, Verstappen, Massa, Alonso, Ocon, Kvyat and Perez were next up.

Looking tight at the top. Force India looking quite quick, likewise Massa.

In third practice, Vettel was top dog, a full three-tenths ahead of Raikkonen. Hamilton and Verstappen were both within a tenth of the Finn, with Bottas some way further back. Hulkenberg, Massa, Ricciardo, Ocon and Sainz rounded out the top 10.

At this stage, it’s looking pretty good for Ferrari, but we must wait and see how things unfold.

I was a bit surprised to see that Vettel was 2.2 for pole. He had a clear advantage over his rivals in third practice. But was that representative? Hmm. Also, mildly surprised Alonso was 3 to reach Q3. He was 12th in P3 and 7th in P2, but it’s very tight.

Alas, Alonso tempts me but his car is as resilient as a shield made of cheese, so I can’t back that.

I don’t think Raikkonen will trouble Vettel and the Ferrari does seem to be top dog. Odds are short, but my dilemma was cunningly resolved by Ladbrokes oddly claiming the event had started and betting was suspended.

I decided to back Vettel on Betfair, for pole, at 2.22.

Qualifying is today at 6pm, but the race starts at 7pm tomorrow (UK times). The pre-race article is likely to be up tomorrow morning, and the post-race analysis on Monday morning.


Morris Dancer

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