Vettel has a hand on title after Italy win

The 24-year-old German, who had started on pole position for the 10th time in 13 races, stretched his overall lead to a mighty 112 points after Australian team mate and closest rival Mark Webber crashed out.

With only 150 points remaining to be won from the last six grands prix, Vettel has now won eight races this season and can clinch the title at the next one in Singapore on September 25.

McLaren's Jenson Button finished runner-up for the third season in a row at Monza with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, last year's winner from pole, giving the sea of red-shirted fans something to cheer about with third place at his team's home race.

Image: Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel, of Germany, celebrates after winning the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011. Vettel won the Italian Grand Prix from pole position Sunday, fighting off an audacious challenge from defending champion Fernando Alonso that thrilled Ferrari's home.

Text: Reuters

Images: AP