After Fernando Alonso's hard-won victory around the streets of Singapore two weeks ago we're theoretically back on Red Bull territory for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

Ferrari's Alonso held off the faster Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel for the entire race under the floodlights at Marina Bay but the flowing turns of Suzuka should allow the RB6 to stretch its legs and have a clear advantage over the rest of the field.

We have seen how well-suited the car is to circuits with similar characteristics - Barcelona, Istanbul Park and Silverstone spring to mind - so Vettel and team-mate Mark Webber will undoubtedly be focusing on each other as they gear up for a race weekend which was dominated by the German last year.

Vettel was untouchable in 2009, winning from pole position, although Webber had a nightmare weekend, finishing stone last after being forced to start from the pit lane due to a practice crash which ruled him out of qualifying.

Such is our confidence that Vettel would be at the sharp end once again under normal circumstances it's tempting to dust off the silver bet recommendation, but the East Asian weather fronts seem to be intent on having their say in proceedings.

Six years ago at Suzuka, a typhoon forced the paddock to literally run for cover, the entire Saturday schedule being postponed until Sunday morning, while the following year saw a classic grand prix after qualifying was once again disrupted by heavy rain.

The forecast is always evolving but it appears we could have a similar scenario this year - five inches of rain is predicted between Friday evening and Sunday morning - so a complete washout is more than possible.

We've been over-cautious in the past, holding off from recommending bets in fear of rain which has never arrived, but history has taught us to be beware the climate around Suzuka so we can't justify backing Vettel for pole position around the 2.50 mark under the circumstances. 

Likewise the 2.25 on the German repeating his victory from 12 months ago would be a confident tip if we received the all-clear from the meteorologists but it's simply not worth risking with the clouds lurking - he could be out to double figures on Sunday morning.

For now let's have a look at a couple of trusty old veterans to kick off our staking plan.

Rubens Barrichello has been our good luck charm this season and we see no reason to desert the record-breaking Brazilian at one of his favourite circuits.

This will be Rubens' 20th F1 start in Japan, the majority of them at Suzuka, where he took a memorable victory in 2003.

His sixth place at Singapore last time out underlined both his form and the improvements made to the Williams since the start of the season and he can go well once again on a track which should bring the best out of the FW32.

And if we do see the weather intervene then Barrichello's experience and wet-weather nous could see him take some notable scalps.

He's 3.25 with Bet365 for a fourth top six finish of the season but take a chance on the 21.00 on him making the podium for the first time since his win at Monza last season.

And finally, Nick Heidfeld's return to a driving role with Sauber in Singapore went almost unnoticed but he could force his way into the spotlight this weekend.

His race ended prematurely after a collision with compatriot Michael Schumacher but the underrated German will look at this race as the first of four in which he can show he deserves to retain his seat for next year.

Heidfeld tends to keep out of trouble when the rain falls and his measured approach is often rewarded while those around him get caught out.

He's decent value at 3.00 for the points but could be worth chancing for a top six place at 10.00 with Bet365.

Hopefully the picture should be clearer after qualifying so check back again on Saturday afternoon for our pre-race preview.

The free practice sessions are scheduled for 0300 and 0700 Friday and 0400 Saturday. Qualifying starts at 0700 Saturday with the race due off at 0800 Sunday. All times CET.

PICKS:
Rubens Barrichello to finish on the podium at 21.00 at Bet365.
Nick Heidfeld to finish in the top six at 10.00 at Bet365.