Sebastian Vettel withstood a tricky start from pole position to win the Italian Grand Prix today and extend his considerable championship lead over Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso, who finished second.
Vettel locked his tires on the first turn as the Ferrari of Felipe Massa pressured him from behind, but after that the German consolidated his advantage to beat Alonso and Red Bull teammate Mark Webber, who finished third.
With seven races remaining, it looks increasingly likely that Vettel will clinch a fourth straight Formula One title unless he has an alarming drop in form or Ferrari finds a way to get faster.
It was Vettel's third career win at Monza, his sixth of the season and 32nd overall moving him level with Alonso's total wins.
