Five reasons to look forward to the French Grand Prix

This year’s title race is shaping up to be something special. After seven rounds of action, there’s just a single point separating Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton at the top of the Drivers’ Championship. The German edged ahead following victory in Canada to make it three race victories so far this season.

Hamilton has been far from his brilliant best in his last two outings and will be hoping to be back on the top step of the podium in France. He’s 6/4 to win the race – the same price as arch-rival Vettel.

Alonso returns after Le Mans

Things didn’t quite go to plan for Fernando Alonso in Canada. The McLaren ace was forced to retire at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve with an exhaust issue. Two weeks are a long time in motorsport, though.

And between Canada and France, Alonso has been rather busy. The Spaniard competed in – and won – his first ever Le Mans 24 hours race with the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team.

His ultimate aim is likely to become only the second ever man to land the Motorsport Triple Crown. But until that opportunity presents itself, Alonso could enjoy a short-term boost to his F1 form thanks to his Le Mans exploits.

Mercedes have their engine upgrade 

Mercedes were hindered in Canada by a delay to their expected engine upgrade. Technical director Toto Wolff claimed after the race that the upgrade would “definitely have made a difference” to the overall outcome.

There’s no telling just how significant the power unit upgrade will turn out to be. But after both Ferrari and Renault introduced new engines in Canada, it could be a fine margin improvement that gives the Silver Arrows that extra edge in France.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing