F1: Chinese Grand Prix qualifying betting preview, tips and TV channel

Chinese Grand Prix qualifying

TV: Sky Sports F1, 7am Saturday

Sebastian Vettel is even money to take pole position for Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix, but the battle could be closer than that suggests.

Vettel bossed the opening practice session in Shanghai as Ferrari sought to keep up the advantage they enjoyed - but failed to capitalise on - in Bahrain.

Championship leader Valtteri Bottas put Mercedes on top by edging out Vettel in the second session. But the proximity of Max Verstappen's Red Bull - two-tenths of a second down in third - suggests there is more to come from the big two.

Charles Leclerc, who was robbed of a first career victory in Bahrain by an engine issue, failed to set a representative lap time in practice. That was in part due to more power unit problems.

Defending champion Lewis Hamilton was also unable to show his true pace in practice having had to back off due to debris on the track on his fastest run.

Hamilton also bemoaned the cold weather affecting the handling of his Mercedes, but qualifying is expected to see the warmest conditions of the weekend.

The Mercedes pair look better value in the qualifying market and while Bottas is tempting at 17-2, Hamilton rates the better bet at 7-2.

Bottas has started the season strongly but has been outqualified by Hamilton in both races, and in a close fight the Englishman looks the more reliable.

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