This is what you need to know about the Italian Grand Prix

After the perfect start to the decisive phase of the Formula 1 season, Spa winner Sebastian Vettel is ready for the Ferrari Festival in Monza. However, the Scuderia's last success at the Italian Grand Prix was eight years ago. In 2010, Spaniard Fernando Alonso won.

What is the starting position in the title race? Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton takes a 17-point lead into the 14th of the 21 races of the season on Sunday. However, the momentum is on the side of pursuer Vettel. In his victory in Spa, the German pulled past the championship leader irresistibly on lap one and didn't give Hamilton a chance afterwards. The new Ferrari engine seems to be a direct hit, Mercedes has to rework it. “The next two or three races will be groundbreaking,” says defending champion Hamilton. Who is the favorite at Monza? For the first time in his time as a Ferrari driver, Vettel appears to be starting the Italian race with a speed advantage. In the Royal Park, 75 percent of every lap is driven at full throttle. Nine of the ten fastest Grand Prix in Formula 1 history took place here. In the past four years, the Mercedes drivers have been able to dominate in Monza thanks to their superior engine. Now this series could end. “We showed that we have the stronger car,” says Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene. But Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff countered: “Last year we destroyed Ferrari here.” You can expect an open exchange of blows again, with a slight advantage for the Reds. What is the situation with the Racing Point team? The newly approved team, successor to the insolvent Force India racing team, scored 18 World Championship points in Spa. In Monza, Racing Point wants to continue its race to catch up in the constructors' championship in order to be able to collect a hefty share of the marketing millions at the end of the season. The future of the two pilots remains open. The Mexican Sergio Perez has reportedly already signed for next year. The Frenchman Esteban Ocon, on the other hand, will soon have to make way for the Canadian Williams driver Lance Stroll. The 19-year-old is the son of the new main backer Lawrence Stroll, a fashion billionaire. Weather forecast: Rain on Friday and Saturday? If the road is wet, Mercedes has an advantage over Ferrari. In the last two qualifying sessions, Hamilton was always able to beat his rival Sebastian Vettel in the rain. According to weather forecasts, thunderstorms are expected on Friday and Saturday, although there will be sunshine on race Sunday.

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This is what you need to know about the Italian Grand Prix

This weekend one of the most traditional races of the entire Formula 1 season will take place in Monza. The mix of speed excitement and Italian passion makes the race the perfect Ferrari home game. And this time there is finally a home win again.

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