Qatar Grand Prix Tips: Norris can wrap up title in style
From the chilly night air of Las Vegas last week, Formula 1 heads to more balmy climes for another race under the lights, the Qatar Grand Prix.
McLaren driver Lando Norris has a chance to wrap up the world championship, but to do that he will need to beat both his team-mate Oscar Piastri and the man chasing a fifth consecutive drivers' crown, Max Verstappen.
Tip 1 - Lando Norris to win @ 7/4
Norris would have crossed the line in Vegas disappointed at finishing second but happy in the knowledge that only a disastrous final couple of rounds could prevent him from claiming his maiden drivers' title.
But the disaster was only hours away as both he and McLaren team-mate Piastri, who crossed the line fourth, were disqualified from the race for excessive wear to the skid blocks underneath the car.
That basically means the team were running the cars too low to the ground, but what it also means is that instead of carrying a 42-point lead to Qatar, he arrives in the desert only 24 points to the good.
Still, if he wins this weekend, that would likely take him above the 25-point threshold he needs to wrap up the title before next week's finale in Abu Dhabi.
The signs are promising. While Verstappen has made huge inroads in the championship fight and won four of the last seven races, Norris has rediscovered his best form with three pole positions and wide margin wins in Mexico and Sao Paulo.
The fast corners of the Losail Circuit should suit the McLaren well and Norris makes more appeal than either race favourite Verstappen or Piastri, who the Brit has beaten in all the last seven races.
Tip 2 - Nico Hulkenberg top 10 finish @ 7/4
Nico Hulkenberg has had a streaky season, which has often seen him struggle but also gain his first career podium in a run of four straight points finishes in the middle of the year.
The German veteran is quietly having a decent end to the campaign, with points in three of his last four races, missing out only in Mexico, where he was hit in the early laps and had to retire with handling issues.
His Sauber team scored points in Qatar last year through Zhou Guanyu's eighth place and Hulkenberg could be a generous price for a top-ten finish.
Tip 3 - Pierre Gasly top 10 finish @ 5/2
Another who could be overpriced in the top-ten finish market is Pierre Gasly.
It has been a difficult season for the Alpine team, but Gasly has managed five points finishes and the Frenchman tends to end seasons strongly.
He was tenth in Brazil, where he also picked up a point in the sprint race, before reaching the top-ten qualifying shootout in Vegas, only to be spun around at the first corner.
Gasly had a great weekend in Qatar last year, finishing fifth and, while that may be a lofty target in this year's car, a points finish looks within his capabilities.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
