F1 Championship leader Rosberg out to maintain ‘unexpected’ run in Spanish Grand Prix

Despite such an impressive start to the campaign, 30-year-old Rosberg admits he did not expect the winning run he is currently enjoying and it isn’t something he could have predicted, but is keen to make it last as long as possible.

“It’s not something I could have expected – winning the first four races of the year,” stated the German steerer. “It’s been a great start but I’m just enjoying the moment and the form I’m in, doing my best to keep it going and hoping I can carry it through to the end of the season.

“Sport is all about ups and downs and being mentally prepared to bounce back stronger when they come. With a season this long you have to just take things race by race. There are 425 points still up for grabs – and anything can happen yet.”

Recent history bodes well for the in-form Mercedes speedster too, having prevailed in last season’s Spanish GP, pipping Hamilton and compatriot Sebastian Vettel to the coveted crown on Barcelona soil. Four-time world champion Vettel will be gunning for a revival in form and fortunes on the track he finished third on last year and is 7/1 to triumph here.

Ricciardo closing in on podium

A win for Rosberg in Spain would see his streak move up to eight GP victories in a row since last season’s triumph in Mexico, which will give him the outright second-longest run in F1 history and one behind the all-time record set by Vettel with Red Bull back in 2013.

Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo has been knocking on the door for a podium finish this season, with three fourth-place endings so far recorded, and the Red Bull driver is 4/1 to finally get on one the three highest steps this weekend.

The evergreen Kimi Raikkonen will look to continue his consistent start to the season as well, after second, third and fifth position finishes being secured following an opening circuit retirement in Australia. Finland’s finest is therefore, 9/4 to go another step further and grab a podium finish.

Meanwhile, Williams steerer Felipe Massa is 6/4 for a top six finish, with Britain’s Jenson Button an 11/10 shot for a points ending in Spain and home favourite Fernando Alonso is available at evens for a top 10 placing in front of his passionate Spanish fans.

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Coral’s top tip: Back Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg to secure a fifth consecutive season success in the Spanish Grand Prix.