Friday, September 11, 2009

Hamilton sets the pace in Monza

Lewis Hamilton was the fastest man around Monza in Friday's first session
Hamilton was the fastest man around Monza in Friday's first practice session

By Sean Chaney

Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets in practice for the Italian Grand Prix as McLaren caught the eye at sunny Monza.

The defending world champion clocked a lap time of one minute 23.936 as he led his team-mate Heikki Kovalainen home to complete a McLaren one-two.

Championship leader Jenson Button was seventh fastest in his Brawn with team-mate and title rival Rubens Barrichello posting the 12th fastest time.

Red Bull's Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel were ninth and 18th quickest.

Ferrari debutant Giancarlo Fisichella was eighth fastest as he got to grips with the famous red car for the first time.

The 36-year-old Italian moved to Ferrari from Force India to replace Luca Badoer after the last grand prix in Belgium and he was roared on by an enthusiastic home crowd.

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Fisichella's Force India replacement Vitantonio Liuzzi put in a solid debut display to post the 16th fastest time of the session.

Liuzzi's team-mate Adrian Sutil was third fastest to continue Force India's fine recent form, the Silverstone-based team got their first-ever championships points in Belgium when Fisichella finished second.

The McLarens made the most of their Kers power boost system to set the pace around the fast-flowing straights and high-speed corners of the famous royal park track.

Renault reintroduced their Kers system especially for Monza and that decision seemed to pay dividends when Fernando Alonso went fourth fastest on Friday morning.

More to follow

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