Formula One news
McLaren celebrates first Monza one-two
09 September 2007 / Results / PhotosMcLaren drivers Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton finished first and second in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza; the fourth 1-2 victory for the team this year. Alonso achieved his 19th win and his first at Monza. Hamilton maintained his lead in the drivers' championship with 92 points followed by Alonso in second position with 89 points. After 13 out of 17 races, McLaren Mercedes extended the lead in the constructors' table to 166 points ahead of Ferrari on 143.
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"My start wasn't perfect, and I had to defend my lead coming in to the first corner," said Alonso. "In the second corner I was a bit worried as I thought Lewis and I would touch but fortunately this did not happen. The safety car could have caused us a few problems as it was important for our strategy to open up a gap as soon as possible. However it was a perfect afternoon today with the car and the team working really well, and to win in front of the enthusiastic Italian Formula 1 fans is very emotional."
Hamilton commented, "Obviously I didn't get the best getaway and Felipe managed to shoot past me. I outbraked both him and Fernando into Turn One, and I almost thought I was going to get past, but then Felipe clipped me and sent me over the second chicane. I was suffering vibrations on my tyres in the first stint, so I opted to pit earlier to play it safe. Once we knew that Kimi was on a one-stop strategy it was key to really optimise my second stop. Unfortunately I came out behind him, but I knew I was faster on the new tyres, if only for a couple of laps, and so I just took the opportunity when I caught him up. It was really important for me to get that place back, not only for my position in the Championship, but also for all the team. We had the 1-2 in qualifying yesterday, and to maintain this in the race was the icing on the cake. They have all done a fantastic job."
Team boss Ron Dennis added, "We always want to win and to have McLaren's first one-two at Monza today is really special. The entire team has done a fantastic job both on and off track in difficult circumstances, and our dominance this weekend is a just reward for all their efforts. Fernando and Lewis put in excellent performances and controlled the race from the front. Lewis, overtaking manoeuvre to reclaim second place showed his determination. We now focus on the week ahead and the race at Spa next weekend."
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