Formula One / Thomas Cowie / 15 July 2008 /

After his excellent win at Silverstone the Brit heads to the German Grand Prix locked in a three-way World Championship battle. But, on their home track, he should beware the BMWs, says Tom Cowie.

Formula One's European summer is now in full swing - next stop Hockenheim for the German Grand Prix. The second half of the season could not be set up any better, with a three - way tie in the Drivers' Championship.

All three drivers have had remarkably similar seasons so far, consisting of some inspired driving, punctuated by some uncharacteristic errors.

Both Raikonen and Hamilton have had scruffy races - most notably in Monaco and Canada respectively. Massa took things a stage further at Silverstone where he came home last, having rotated 360 degrees almost as many times as the giant ferris wheel in the paddock.

Britain was also a disappointment for Robert Kubica, but despite his race ending in the gravel trap, he only trails the Championship leaders by two points. His Championship odds of [22.0] don't do him justice, but it will take something very special if he is to finish top of the class this term.

Raikkonen scrapped his way to 4th at Silverstone, surviving two spins, and a bad call by the team which left him coaxing the Ferrari through a downpour on completely worn tyres. His performance was that of a man with his eyes firmly focused on the ultimate goal, and the five points he gained could prove crucial in the final reckoning. He remains favourite to retain his title at [2.36].

Without question, Silverstone belonged to Hamilton. His performance in very difficult conditions was flawless - at one point he was ten seconds per lap faster than anyone else on the same tyres, and his winning margin was more than a minute.

Added to his victories at a treacherous Fuji last year and a slippery Monaco this year, his wet weather prowess is rightly being compared with Michael Schumacher, and his own idol, Ayrton Senna. He is now trading as second favourite to take the title at [2.96]. The markets suggest it is becoming a two way battle for the Championship.

Despite being tied in the rankings with Raikonen and Hamilton, Massa's Championship odds remain the longest of the three, and he is currently trading at [5.4]. His talent and speed are undeniable, but unfortunately, so is inconsistency.

Despite this, Ferrari are now the outright favourites to win the Constructors Championship, trading at [1.16] compared to Mclaren's attractive [9.8]. BMW are a good outsiders' bet at [20.0], but they will need to start getting both drivers on the podium if they are to stand any chance of stealing the crown from under the noses of F1's elite.

Despite some recent modifications, Hockenheim remains a fast circuit, and retains the tight and twisting stadium section, making car set up tricky, as the teams look to strike a balance between having enough downforce to get through the slow sections, without compromising too much on top speed down the straights.

Unsurprisingly, the two main Championship contenders are the shortest odds to take the chequered flag, with Raikonen and Hamilton trading at [2.86] and [2.92] respectively.

Massa is a slightly more attractive option, trading at [4.2] for the win. He finished second here in 2006, and it is crucial he shows well this time out. If he falls behind in the standings, he will quickly find himself playing a supporting role to Raikonen's assault on the Championship. He must prove to Ferrari that he has got what it takes to be World Champion, and after his poor performance at Silverstone, he needs to start proving it now.

BMW go in to their home GP enjoying their best ever season. They would love nothing more than to get one over on the Mercedes boys here, and they have a great chance. Nick Heidfeld , full of confidence after his second place in Britain, will be looking to build on this in front of his home fans. He would be a popular winner and is worth a punt at [27.0].

In the sister BMW, Robert Kubica will no doubt be in the mix, as he has been at virtually every race so far. He will be aiming to keep in touch with the leading trio in the Championship, and will be ready to capitalize on any further mistakes. He won his first GP in Canada, and will be hungry for his second - at [12.5] he is a very attractive proposition.

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