Sports Betting: Hamilton Favourite For Valencia As Schumacher Pulls Out

Sports betting firms make Lewis Hamilton favourite for the next Grand Prix after his win in Budapest

Bookmakers are refunding bets on Michael Schumacher after the seven-time world champion cancelled his Formula One comeback for Ferrari this week.

Schumacher had been drafted in to replace Felipe Massa at the European Grand Prix in Valencia, but a neck injury sustained in a motorbike crash earlier this year has scuppered the German driver's return.

Sports betting firms had been anticipating a major boost in turnover as a result of Schumacher's participation, but will now have to rely on interest in the resurgent Lewis Hamilton, who is favourite for the race in Spain at 2/1 with William Hill.

"We are very disappointed that Schumacher will not be taking part as we expected his involvement to send turnover through the roof. That said, with Hamilton back things could still be very busy," William Hill spokesperson Rupert Adams said.

The bookmaker offers 11/4 on Sebastian Vettel winning in Valencia, with Mark Webber priced at 7/2 and current championship leader Jenson Button available at 6/1.

Hamilton triumphed for the first time this season at the Hungarian Grand Prix last month, while Vettel has recorded five podium finishes, including victory in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.