Fernando Alonso Wins 2007 Italian Grand Prix

McLaren-Mercedez drivers Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton made an impressive 1-2 finish at the Ferrari home circuit in Monza, Italy to top the 2007 Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

McLaren’s Fernando Alonso started the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix at pole position, and maintained his lead all throughout the race to claim the checkered flag and the number 1 spot on the podium. Meanwhile, Alonso’s teammate in McLaren-Mercedez Lewis Hamilton started 2nd in the grid and also maintained the 2nd spot on the podium despite a threat from Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen.

Ferrari’s Felipe Massa was impressive at the start of the race jumping from 3rd position up to 2nd position off the bat, but Lewis Hamilton was able to regain the second spot by overtaking in the chicane. Eventually, Felipe Massa had to retire after 10 laps due to a suspension failure, dampening the hopes of Felipe Massa to earn points in his bid for the Formula 1 World Driver’s Championships.

Kimi Raikkonen was able to take the lead when Lewis Hamilton went into the pits, but Lewis Hamilton caught up to Raikkonen and made an impressive sideways pass on lap 43 to overtake the scarlet Ferrari of Raikkonen. Kimi Raikkonen was able to maintain a 3rd place finish.

Fernando Alonso’s victory in the Italian Grand Prix managed to give him a full 10 points in order to close the gap with Lewis Hamilton for the Driver’s Championship. Fernando Alonso now has 89 points, just 3 points behind Lewis Hamilton’s 92. Lewis Hamilton’s 2nd place finish gives him enough points to maintain a small lead. Kimi Raikkonen’s 3rd place finish moves him past Felipe Massa to the third spot with 74 points. Ferrari’s Felipe Massa did not earn points for his early retirement from the race and still maintains 69 points.

With four races left in the 2007 Formula 1 season, it seems that Felipe Massa’s hopes of contending for the Drivers Championship look very dim. Kimi Raikkonen looks to be Ferrari’s best bet, but his chances of overtaking both McLaren drivers in the points standings will be made easier if Alonso and Hamilton have car problems that won’t allow them to finish a race. Considering McLaren’s consistent performance, this is unlikely to happen. But then again, it is still mathematically probable.

The Ferrari fans in Monza were disheartened by the result of the Italian Grand Prix as most expected the Ferraris to have the advantage considering the race was held on their home circuit. However, the race deservedly went to McLaren, who proved that they were the fastest and most consistent car throughout qualifying and the race itself.

McLaren-Mercedez lead the Constructor’s Championship standings with 166 points. Ferrari is behind at 143 with BMW Sauber far back in 3rd with 86 points.

The next Formula 1 race will be the Belgian Grand Prix to be held at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Francorchamps, Belgium. The last time a Formula 1 race was held here was in 2005. Kimi Raikkonen won that race driving for McLaren. Fernando Alonso came in 2nd, driving for Renault. Perhaps, Kimi Raikkonen can win it for a 2nd time driving for Ferrari.

For more odds on the Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix, click here.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 12th, 2007 at 10:58 am and is filed under Auto Racing, F1, Fernando Alonso, Sports, Sports Betting, Sportsbooks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.