F1 Racing: Bahrain Grand Prix Preview

If you're looking for a fast way to make some cash this weekend, it gets no faster than F1 betting. The Formula One racing season gets underway on the small island in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Bahrain has hosted this event for the past six years and, like in most seasons, Fernando Alonso is among the favorites to take the checkered flag.

Fernando Alonso (+225) has won the Bahrain Grand Prix twice, finishing first in 2005 and 2006. This season Alonso has a ton of expectations heading into the schedule due to his move from Renault to Ferrari. His new team has looked impressive in preseason test runs and should find itself running up front this weekend as Alonso pursues his third career World Championship. He's listed as a +220 favorite to win the 2010 Drivers Championship.

Lewis Hamilton (+335), the current face of Formula One racing, has been known more for his Hollywood lifestyle than his performance on the track. Some unlucky runs in 2009 stopped him from defending his championship title. However, with reigning F1 champ Jenson Button joining the McLaren–Mercedes team, Hamilton feels motivated to reach the top of the sport again. If those two drivers can co-exist on the same track, big things could be in store for the Brits. Hamilton is at +400 to win the 2010 Drivers Championship.

Sebastian Vettel (+400) finished second in the points standings last season after winning four races in 2009. This year, the German driver is hoping preseason testing is an indication of the progress of his young career. The Red Bull team put up some impressive numbers in test runs and should start the season strong instead of playing catchup like it did for most of last year. If Vettel can continue to mature behind the wheel he could be a great value bet in most races this season as well as in his Drivers Championship odds (+450)

Michael Schumacher (+500) makes his long-awaited return to the track at Bahrain. The racing legend and seven-time world champion hasn't been behind the wheel for a race since calling it quits back in 2006. He's no stranger to this track, winning the inaugural race back in 2004. The 41-year-old carries the hopes of the new Mercedes GP team and will have a target on his back with all the young drivers trying to knock off the old warhorse. Schumacher is priced at +500 to win his eighth career championship.

Felipe Massa (+600) is also making a comeback of sorts this weekend. The Brazilian driver hasn't taken the track since suffering head and eye injuries at the Hungarian Grand Prix last July. Massa teams up with Alonso at Ferrari and is out for his third checkered flag at Bahrain, having won back-to-back years in 2007 and 2008. He's currently set at +850 to win his first career Drivers Championship.