Peter Jacobs

A controversial Ferrari one-two in Germany last weekend has overshadowed the resurgence of form for the Scuderia, but with Hungary next, it will be an opportunity for the Italian team to prove it was the start of things to come.

Ferrari were fined $100,000 by the FIA for use of team orders at Hockenheim, an instruction which allowed Fernando Alonso to pass team-mate Felipe Massa unchallenged but the result currently stands, although the FIA will review the race in the summer break.  

Ferrari have endured a stuttering first half to the 2010 season but the result propelled Alonso up to fifth in the standings, 34 points behind leader Lewis Hamilton. With 25 points for a race win this year, coupled with updates on the Ferrari F10, the double world champion is a serious contender.

It is widely accepted that the Red Bull car is the fastest in the field but the reliability and top speed of the McLarens has seen them occupy the top two positions in the championship.  Current champion Jenson Button, in his first season with the team, is only 14 points behind Hamilton with the Red Bulls of Vettel and Webber joint third 21 points adrift.

The Hungaroring in Budapest is a short 2.7 mile track with limited overtaking places; the technical nature of the circuit could favour the Red Bull and Ferrari as they enjoy a lot of natural down force and speed through corners.

The favourites this year will be the same cars which filled the podium in 2009, Hamilton claimed top spot 12 months ago followed up by Kimi Raikkonen in the Ferrari and Webber in the Red Bull.

Alonso is favourite to collect back-to-back victories with odds of 2/1; Vettel is at 9/4, Webber 11/2 whilst Hamilton is 13/2 and Massa 10/1.

Button holds some golden memories of Hungary however; it was the scene for his first grand prix victory when he won from 14^th on the grid in wet conditions. The Englishman's cultured driving style could benefit him this weekend; he is available at odds of 18/1.

Button is part of a six strong bunch who have previously won at the Hungaroring, but only Mika Hakkinen, Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher (80/1) are multiple winners.

History dictates that qualifying will have a major bearing on the final result; odds for qualifying are similar to those of the race. Vettel and Alonso are favourites, available at 7/4 followed by Webber at 9/2 and Massa in the sister Ferrari at a price of 10/1.

The McLarens, who will be pleased to leave Hungary still at the top of the charts are further adrift to claim pole with Hamilton 11/1 and Button as long as 28/1 with some bookmakers.