'popular' Schumi Is Bookies Bet.

Michael Schumacher will be the top man in this year's Formula One world championship, according to two of Britain's leading bookmakers.


Both Ladbrokes and William Hill are offering short odds on the German, claiming that this is the year in which he will finally deliver Ferrari's first title since 1979. Mika Hakkinen has been installed as second favourite in both camps following his back-to-back successes of 1998-99.


Schumacher is also the punters' favourite, according to Ladbrokes, which claims its price reflects the German's greater popularity amongst the fans.



Ladbrokes Year 2000 odds - F1 world title.


Michael Schumacher 11/10 (6/5 William Hill)

Mika Hakkinen 13/8 (11/8)

David Coulthard 6/1 (11/2)

Heinz-Harald Frentzen 10/1 (18/1)

Rubens Barrichello 14/1 (14/1)

Jarno Trulli 33/1 (40/1)

Eddie Irvine 40/1 (25/1)

Ralf Schumacher 66/1 (33/1)

Jacques Villeneuve 80/1 (66/1)

Giancarlo Fisichella 80/1 (100/1)

Johnny Herbert 100/1 (80/1)

Alex Wurz 100/1 (100/1)

Jean Alesi 150/1 (200/1)

Jenson Button 150/1 (200/1)

Ricardo Zonta 150/1 (200/1)

Pedro Diniz 200/1 (500/1)

Nick Heidfeld 200/1 (500/1)

Mika Salo 200/1 (500/1)

Pedro de la Rosa 250/1 (100/1)

Jos Verstappen 250/1 (100/1)

Marc Gene 1000/1 (1000/1)

Gaston Mazzacane 1000/1 (1000/1)