Monza, 11 September


Fernando Alonso set the fastest time in this afternoon’s qualifying session to take pole position in just the right place, this being Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro’s home race at the Monza circuit. And team-mate Felipe Massa has given the tifosi who are already packing the grandstands real hope of a strong result in tomorrow’s Italian Grand Prix as he lines up just behind Fernando, having set the third fastest time. It was a just reward for all the hard work back at Maranello, following the disappointment of Spa a fortnight ago. It has been a long time coming, as not since Felipe took pole at his home race in Brazil in 2008 has a Prancing Horse car taken the top slot on the grid. Here, at the fastest circuit on the calendar, the F10 has improved with every session on track and in fact, in the final Q3 part of qualifying, the time Fernando set on his first run would never be beaten. Felipe, although equally happy with the performance of his car, was less satisfied with the strategy adopted in Q3, but nevertheless, two cars on the front two rows is a very strong position and at least the Brazilian is now on the clean side of the track for all the important rush down to the hectic first chicane.


Pole at Monza, in front of grandstands full of the Ferrari faithful, waving their banners and caps and cheering in delight: what more could make the day complete? Perhaps the presence of the Scuderia’s biggest “fan,” Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo who, watching from the pit wall was literally jumping for joy when the chequered flag signalled the end of the session. However, both he and Stefano Domenicali soon had their jumping feet firmly back on the ground, pointing out that the most important and toughest part of the weekend is yet to come. That is true at every race weekend of course, but here in Monza, the challenge is unique, as the high speed nature of the track puts a heavy strain on every component of the car: the driver’s concentration is stretched by the high speed, the long running time at full throttle is tough on the engine, while the tight chicanes require heavy braking and a tough car to deal with the pounding from the kerbs.

The Ferrari duo have a real chance of bringing home some important championship points, but as ever they face stiff opposition: Fernando has reigning World Champion Jenson Button alongside him on the front row in the McLaren, while Felipe will find the Red Bull of Mark Webber alongside him. Row three is made up of championship leader Lewis Hamilton, fifth in the second McLaren and Sebastian Vettel sixth in the other Red Bull.