Bets revved for Ferrari to win Australian Grand Prix 2005.

Team Ferrari is the red-hot favourite to win Melbourne’s premier Formula One event on March 6, according to pool betting site AnyBets.com. Punters have chosen the perennial winner, Ferrari, led by Michael Schumacher, with a clear majority of 54% of the pool.

Local boy Mark Webber might have a home advantage on the track but at the online bookmakers, his team isn’t so well supported. The Williams team is indeed the second favourite but only 18% of the punters are backing it. McLaren is not too far behind with 14% of money placed in the pool in support of the Finnish and Columbian duo. The new side on the block, Red Bull, is actually just the re-branded Jaguar team, and they haven’t made much difference to the odds.

A spokesperson for AnyBets.com said, “It seems our customers are hoping this year’s Australian Grand Prix will be a repeat performance of the 2004 race, as they have bet heavy on Ferrari and Williams, who were both top three teams last year. Having said that, Renault came in as the second best racing team last year, but only 3% of the pool bet for Renault to achieve this year’s first position. It will be very interesting to see the results on March 6!”

Jordan is currently the rank outsider. For every £1 wagered, bettors will currently receive £117 if Jordan wins so if the team of rookies strike beginners’ luck on the circuit then Jordan backers will be in for healthy winnings!

AnyBets.com is covering the entire 2005 formula-one racing season. Public opinion on the website shows that Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher is the driver to beat. The majority of bettors have laid wagers that he will win six of the 19 championships.