The stage is set for the quickest track on the Formula One circuit this weekend, as the season moves on to Monza. Sebastian Vettel’s victory at Spa a couple of weeks ago cemented his position at the top of the world championship, extending his lead to 46 points ahead of Spanish rival Fernando Alonso. The Ferrari man will have the added incentive of performing in front of his team’s home crowd this weekend, and if he still harbours any hopes of winning this championship, the time to start clawing away at that 46-point deficit is now.
Italian Grand Prix Odds
| Driver | Pole Position | Race Win |
| Lewis Hamilton | 13/8 | 4/1 |
| Sebastian Vettel | 15/8 | 7/4 |
| Nico Rosberg | 4/1 | 10/1 |
| Mark Webber | 10/1 | 10/1 |
| Fernando Alonso | 9/1 | 3/1 |
| Kimi Raikkonen | 33/1 | 10/1 |
| Romain Grosjean | 40/1 | 33/1 |
| Felipe Massa | 66/1 | 40/1 |
Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes have improved considerably in the middle stage of the season, as is evidenced by the fact that the Brit is now second favourite (11/1) to win the championship, ahead of Alonso (12/1) and now rank outsider Kimi Raikkonen (33/1). Vettel is now out at 1/9 as favourite to retain his title.
The quick nature of the Monza track will suit the Mercedes, but questions still remain as to whether the German outfit can convert their dominant one-lap pace performances into a sustained race pace. Ferrari have been dogged by the opposite, where strong race starts and different race strategies have had to make up for lackluster qualifying performances. With no signs of this changing in the foreseeable future, it is difficult to see the home team pushing for the top step of the podium this weekend.
The biggest news in Formula One this week has been the confirmation of Daniel Ricciardo taking the place of fellow Aussie Mark Webber’s Red Bull seat next year. Webber has had a very disappointing season, failing to win a single race and currently occupying fifth place in the drivers’ standings. At 10/1, he offers decent value, if only for the fact that he has the best car under him and if one choses to follow the laws of probabilities.
But we should have a clearer idea of where things stand once the Friday practice sessions are completed. At this stage of the week, however, we’re looking at either Vettel or the two Mercedes for quali, with Rosberg at 4/1 catching the eye especially. Alonso might come into the frame for the race on Sunday if things come together for the Ferraris this weekend. Keep an eye out for Raikkonen as well.
Visit the official Formula One website to keep up with the latest from Monza this weekend.
Tagged With : Alonso • Ferrari • Hamilton • Italian Grand Prix • Mercedes • Monza • Red Bull Racing • Vettel