Thursday 31 March 2016 00:17, UK
F1 pundit Johnny Herbert is backing Lewis Hamilton to record a third consecutive Bahrain Grand Prix win this weekend.
The Sky Sports F1 analyst successfully tipped 9/4 shot Nico Rosberg to land the season opener in Australia for Mercedes, his fourth successive race win, but believes it is Hamilton's turn to top the podium under the floodlights at Bahrain's Sakhir circuit on Sunday.
Herbert said: "Lewis was the fastest man in every session in Melbourne, except the race.
"This weekend I expect him to put that right and take what would be a third consecutive Bahrain GP win. He's still the man to catch, even if his poor start last time out allowed his team mate to take the spoils."
Although Nico Hulkenberg narrowly missed out at Albert Park, Herbert still believes the Force India driver can secure a top-six finish this weekend, and is backing the German to do so at odds of 2/1.
Herbert added: "The red flag in Australia cost Nico a chance to finish in the top six, so fingers crossed that he gets some better luck this weekend. Force India traditionally go well in Bahrain, so it's time for the Hulk to let rip in the desert!"
The F1 pundit also saw enough from rookie Manor driver Pascal Wehrlein to suggest he could finish in the points at odds of 22/1 with Sky Bet.
"You might think I'm crazy but the long straights in Bahrain will suit the Mercedes engine that Manor are using this season, and the young German showed on his debut in Australia that he's good enough to spring a surprise or two this season," said Herbert.
"With brake wear likely to be an issue for many of the cars, could a few retirements allow Wehrlein to bag his first points in F1?"
Johnny Herbert's Charity tips this season are supporting Sporting Memories.
