Lew’s Hungary for more glory

LEWIS HAMILTON (below) is the man to catch heading into tomorrow’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

The world champion, a 1-3 shot, has won four times at the Hungaroring circuit and another victory would extend his 17-point lead going into the summer break.

With the weather expected to be dry and warm all weekend, tyres will again play a significant role on what is regarded as one of the slower tracks on the circuit but that shouldn’t hinder the Englishman’s chances of a sixth win of the season.

Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo was a surprise winner last year but it’s hard to see anything but a Hamilton win, particularly considering his Mercedes team-mate and nearest rival Nico Rosberg has never finished on the podium in Budapest.

I also feel the tight cornering track will suit Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg, who has finished in the points in the last three races and is 5-6 for another points finish. He has every chance of a top-six spot at odds of 4-1.

As a patriotic England supporter, it wasn’t easy to watch last Sunday as Alastair Cook’s side were ruthlessly dismantled by Australia at Lord’s.

Having been evens to win the Ashes after their Cardiff success, England have been pushed out to 9-2, while Australia are now 4-9 to win the series.

Edgbaston has been a happy hunting ground for England in recent years but can they pick themselves off the canvas after that pummelling? The odds suggest not at 100-30 to Australia’s price of 5-6.

After the unpredictability of the first two Tests I’m going to stick with long-term form and back two of the old guard to bring home the bacon. Skipper Cook averages 57.6 at Birmingham and, after narrowly missing out on a ton at Lord’s, is 7-2 to top score in the first innings. Jimmy Anderson (11-4 to be top bowler) has 23 wickets in his 10 Tests at the venue and after a below-par display will be key if England are to bounce back from their mauling. The double is available at 15-1.