2008 F1 Season resumes in Valencia with European GP

After three weeks of absence, F1 racing returns.

Yep, the 2008 F1 season continues after a three-week absence probably to pave the way for the Beijing Games. Seven more races are left and at this point of the year, there's no clear cut winner for the world championship yet.

Still leading the drivers' championship standings is Lewis Hamilton. The McLaren - Mercedes driver has 62 championship points, overcoming a somewhat slow start to the season thanks to a pair of wins in his home country Britain and in Germany.

Defending world champion, Kimi Raikkonen, on the other hand, is not far behind. He only trails the young British phenom by five, scoring 57 championship points to pull within striking distance of winning the world title again with seven more races to go.

Raikkonen knows the F1 season is nearing its conclusion and in these last seven races, the fiery Finn is hoping to finish strong. It all begins in the 2008 European Grand Prix in Valencia where he looks to start well.

''We have to start well at Valencia, where it's more important than in other places to drive with continuity from Friday on,'' Kimi Raikkonen said.

''I hope I'll have a trouble-free weekend to try to set up the car the best way possible, especially for the qualifying lap. The qualifying will be extremely important, although I think that there are some possibilities on the track to overtake.''

''If it's hot that will help Ferrari. Like at Montreal you also need a bit of luck and I hope that it will not end for me as it did in Canada.''

''We just have to fight until the end and try to win.''

Raikkonen's teammate Felipe Massa, is also in contention for the world title. As of press time, the brilliant Brazillian has 54 championship points, only three points behind Raikkonen and good for third overall.

After a very disappointing finish in Hungary, you just know this guy will be out for blood.

Who will win the 2008 F1 Drivers Championship? Bodog Sportsbook has the odds.

Kimi Raikkonen 2.75

Lewis Hamilton 3.00

Fernando Alonso 7.00

Felipe Massa 7.00

Want more odds? Visit Bodog for more F1 betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today's biggest sporting events.

European GP 2008 F1 Season