Local heroes Jensen Button and Lewis Hamilton have both failed to flatter during practice sessions for today’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Organisers were hoping for a strong showing from the pair to attract local crowds to the troubled Grand Prix. Unfortunately for both drivers, their cars have failed to handle the new technology introduced this week and will revert to their old setups for the race.

Hamilton has at least managed to secure fourth spot on the starting grid. Button, however, struggled all day and will start from position 13 today. Formula 1 betting had them as favourites to win as late as Saturday morning – now they are unwanted in the betting. Instead, the Red Bull pairing of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber will start as favourites with Vettel as short as 8/13 in betting. Webber is in to 11/4 while Fernando Alonso flying the popular Ferrari flag will start from position three and is at 8/1. Hamilton is at 10/1 to win on his home track.

Vettel won this race last year after starting from pole and looks well placed again this year. It will certainly be an exciting race with the new track layout promising some interesting battles going into the corners. Webber, despite starting alongside his team mate, will still make a race of it – the problem is, can he stay safe? He had a reputation in previous seasons of being a little careless. That attitude seems to be returning with several accidents in recent outings, the last a spectacular double somersault with back flip that would have scored a perfect ten in the diving competition. It certain had the crowd thrilled.

Vettel should win but don’t write off Hamilton completely. He will make a race of it, especially if he can get past Webber. Alonso has been the forgotten driver this year and he could just sneak past them all. Our tip – Alonso is good value in Formula 1 betting and is our tip in what may be a more competitive race than first glance suggests.