Online bookmakers – start your engines! The Formula 1 motor racing season is upon us and it promises to be an interesting season. There are new teams, new drivers, new rules and one old driver – namely Michael Schumacher although he would probably challenge the word “old”. He is after all only 41.

The former World Champion has returned this season to race for Mercedes and his first up effort will see him start from position 7 on the grid. Online bookmakers, while playing it safe, have him well down the betting list to win the drivers championship. He is 8/1 and if his Mercedes fails to do anything exciting today, could drift even further out.

One of this season’s Drivers Championship favourites is last season’s runner up, Sebastian Vettel. He has started this season like he finished last season having won two of the last three races. He is in pole position and really dominated the three practice rounds. His team mate, Mark Webber, has performed reasonably well and will start from 6 on the grid.

Vettel is 4/1 to win the Drivers Championship behind Fernando Alonso who is quoted at 9/4. Alonso was slower in practice and will have to start from position 3 on the grid. Felipe Masa (7/1) will start from 2 while last season’s champion, Jenson Button, will have to start from 8 following poor times in practice. His team mate, and former World Champion Lewis Hamilton (5/1), will start from 4.

It will be an interesting season and you can expect to see a lot of movement in Drivers Championship prices after this weekend’s race. I fancy Vettel to win. Watch for his team mate Webber to also finish in the points. Hamilton will be hard to beat if he gets any opportunities whilst veteran Schumaker could surprise the lot if his car is up to it. It will certainly be an entertaining start to the Formula 1 motor racing season. Online bookmakers will also be watching closely, especially if local heroes Button or Hamilton perform well.