Formula One / Scott Ferguson / 29 August 2009 /

Giancarlo Fisichella's place at the head of the grid means this race could go to anyone, write Scott Ferguson...

Blimey, what a qualifying session. First the shocks of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton dropping out in Q2, then Giancarlo Fisichella (matched for pennies at [1000.0]) securing pole position! This race is wide open and it looks very much like it could be the first win of the season for someone. Rubens Barrichello looks the only driver capable of making it multiple wins.

Spa is a track with genuine racing - long straights, fast corners and rain is never far away. It won't be a procession so grid positions don't guarantee points. If there's ever a time to look for value, it is now.

The Force India had impressed in early practice so a decent showing wouldn't have been a shock. But pre-race weights release, I'm assuming the team went for it and took a light load into Q3 for their first real shot at a pole. I love to see rank outsiders mixing it with the glamour teams and I hope Fisichella can contend but realistically they'll be happy with a podium. Even a point, the first ever for the team, would ensure their transport bills are paid for the season.

Jarno Trulli has been on the front row a lot more often and won't have a better chance of winning this season. His teammate Glock is also in the top ten, highlighting a strong performance from the Toyota team. I must confess to having a small wager on both of them pre-qualifying so Trulli's qualifying effort was rather pleasing.

The Red Bulls should be suited perfectly by this track but they are having engine and reliability issues. From the back of the top ten, they have a difficult task ahead. Button failed in qualifying but Barrichello fared much better. They don't seem to have the same problems. Rubens won in Valencia thanks to a fair bit of luck and a smart pit strategy. That strategic nous might just be called upon again here with the veteran starting from fourth.

Ferrari have a terrific record here and with all their resources now focused on Kimi Raikkonen, the market has him as race favourite. It's more like NASCAR with the jolly at better than [5.0], let's see more of it! On the outside of the third row, he will have to bide his time and pick others off one-by-one unless by some miracle he flies off the grid.

Let's not forget the BMW Saubers who won't be with us next year, at least under the current livery. Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica will start on the good side of the track in P3 and P5. One of them should end up with a podium.

This will be a great race for in-play action. I recommend a back-to-lay trade on Trulli, close out at half the back price.

The podium position market was taking time to reform after qualifying but I'd also be keen to back Heidfeld at [4.0] and above.

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