Five Japanese Grand Prix tips as Rosberg looks to extend Formula 1 Championship lead

Lee Gormley | October 5, 2016

Japanese Grand Prix

Five Japanese Grand Prix tips

All eyes will be on the Suzuka Circuit in Japan as the Formula 1 season reaches a crucial stage, with Drivers’ Championship leader Nico Rosberg aiming to extend his current 23-point lead at the summit over teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Ahead of what will be the fifth last race of this campaign, Mercedes’ German steerer Rosberg can take a huge step towards claiming his maiden world title, though reigning champion Hamilton and Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo are sure to still have a say on proceedings.

So, ahead of the next F1 outing, Coral outline five Japanese Grand Prix tips for punters to enjoy for the early morning Sunday circuit this weekend.

Rosberg to clinch maiden Japanese GP

Rosberg will aim to extend his lead at the summit of the Drivers’ Championship with a maiden success in Japan.

German driver Rosberg has never prevailed in Japan, but he did come second to Hamilton last season while also being the fastest qualifier at the testing Suzuka Circuit, and will enter at a promising 13/8 to claim his first success there.

The Championship front runner finished third in Malaysia last time out, while Hamilton endured a dreadful circuit as his car caught fire and forced him retire, though Rosberg did secure victory in the three tracks prior in Singapore, Italy and Belgium.

Hamilton to record fastest lap

Hamilton has prevailed in Japan in the last two seasons and was the fastest lap holder last campaign.

Britain’s Hamilton knows exactly what it takes to earn success at this circuit in the Far East, having won three times in his illustrious career, including last season when he also stormed to the quickest lap time.

With plenty of circuit knowledge the Mercedes driver is 13/8 to bounce back from his Malaysian misery by recording the fastest lap on his outing in Japan, having done so for the past two campaigns there.

Vettel to finish on podium again

Vettel has enjoyed huge success at this track in recent seasons with four wins.

Behind only compatriot and legendary seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher in the all-time Japanese GP wins, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel will be confident of a strong showing on a track he has emerged successful on four times in his career.

The four-time Championship victor rallied to first place in all of 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013, and has at least finished on the podium since 2008, making him a tasty 5/2 to land another top three position on Sunday.

Button to gain top six finish

Button has plenty of experience in Japan.

British McLaren steerer Jenson Button prevailed in Japan back in 2011 and was knocking on the door for a top six finish last time out in Malaysia.

With plenty of experience at the Suzuka Circuit, the 2009 world champion is 15/8 to enjoy a position in the top six in his latest outing in Japan.

German driver to prevail in Japan

Both Rosberg and Vettel will be hoping to make an impact at the Suzuka Circuit.

With Rosberg set to lead the challenge for Japanese GP supremacy this weekend on the back of dominant recent performances and fellow countryman Vettel boasting four previous triumphs at the Suzuka Circuit, a German winner can be backed at 13/10.

Vettel is yet to earn a GP success this season, but Rosberg looks likely of adding another victory to his ever-growing tally, so hedge your bets by simply backing there to be a German finishing top of the podium.

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