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F1 circus heads to Valencia

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 21/08/2009
Formula One betting

Formula One is heading to Valencia for the European Grand Prix this Sunday but the circus will be short of one Michael Schumacher.

In one of the most extraordinary sporting stories of the year, it was confirmed that the seven-time Formula One world champion was set for a return to the circuit with Ferrari, in place of Felipe Massa who suffered a fractured skull in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix last month.

But the comeback that would have rivalled the stories of Lance Armstrong, Sir Steve Redgrave and Michael Jordan will not go ahead.

The return to Formula One of the 40-year-old has been blocked on medical grounds, as it emerged that he had a neck injury.

The German did test a 2007 Ferrari, but aggravated the neck problem which he suffered in a bike accident earlier this year.

Filling the void vacated by Massa and Schumacher will be Ferrari's long-serving test driver Luca Badoer.

A 38-year-old Italian, who figured in 49 races without winning a single point in the 1990s, Badoer has insisted he can become a decent deputy for Massa despite not figuring in a Grand Prix in 10 years.

"I've been in this business for quite a while," said Badoer. "After Felipe's accident, I intensified my programme and I'm sure I won't have any problems."

Ferrari may harbour ambitions of a first grand prix victory of the season despite the adversity which stares the team in the face going into the race.

Massa started the race on pole on the track last term and held onto first place after 57 laps.

Although a win is unlikely to come through Badoer, team-mate Kimi Raikkonen may fancy his chances of topping the podium after finishing the Hungarian Grand Prix as runner-up.

Can Ferrari achieve a rare victory in Valencia? - Latest Formula One Betting

Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton will look to build on his newly-found momentum after triumphing in Budapest.

The reigning world champion is not a contender for the title this year, but is eyeing a strong end to the season as he gets to grips with the 2009 McLaren.

And Mark Webber will be looking to continue to slash the deficit in the chase to oust Jensen Button from first place in the race to be crowned world champion.

Webber finished third in Hungary, leaving him less than 20 points behind Button who retains his place as sportsbook favourite for the title despite not finishing on the podium in the last three races.

In contrast, Webber has achieved podium finishes in the past four races, including victory in Germany. The momentum is firmly with the Australian.

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