Event of the Day: Formula One Italian Grand Prix
Our event of the day is the Formula One Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Kimi Räikkönen of Ferrari was fastest in qualifying yesterday with a lap time of 1:19.119. Teammate Sebastian Vettel was second and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton third. Vettel and Hamilton, the two title contenders, looked set to qualify first and second after their first two qualifying runs. However, they were then stunned by Fin Räikkönen, who broke a fourteen year old record to set the fastest lap time in Formula One history. Ferrari are now in a great position to secure victory on a course they have only won at once since 2006.
Whether Räikkönen will be allowed to race for himself remains to be seen, with his teammate Vettel’s title chances hanging in the balance. The race to be crowned world champion took yet another twist following last weekend’s action. Lewis Hamilton had been pulling away at the top of the drivers’ championship following consecutive wins in Germany and Hungary. However, title rival Sebastian Vettel led from the first lap in Stavelot to convincingly win the Belgian Grand Prix. This reduced Hamilton’s lead at the top of the drivers’ championship to seventeen points. Another Vettel victory today could see him replace Hamilton at the summit of the standings if the Brit fails to finish in the top five. However, this has only happened on one occasion this season, when Hamilton was forced to retire in Hungary. With just eight races remaining and the title race too tight to call, today could be crucial.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the 4th day of the 4th Test between England and India at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. With the series delicately poised at 2-1, a tense 4th day is predicted. England currently lead by 233 runs with two second innings wickets remaining. Elsewhere in the UK, Manchester United will aim to bounce back from back to back Premier League defeats as they face Burnley at Turf Moore. Two of football’s greatest rivals meet in the SPL as Celtic host Rangers in what should be the tightest Old Firm derby in years. It’s derby day in East Anglia too, as Ipswich welcome Norwich to Portman Road in the Championship. In Serie A, Napoli travel to Sampdoria, whilst in La Liga, Barcelona host SD Huesca. Schalke are at home to Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga, whilst Ajax travel to Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie. Monaco and Marseille meet in Ligue 1, and in the MLS, D.C. United play Atlanta United at Audi Field in Washington. Further sporting action in the States comes from Oakland, where the MLB series between Oakland Athletics and the Seattle Mariners concludes. The US Open continues in New York, with today’s order of play featuring Dominic Thiem versus Kevin Andersen and Serena Williams against Kaia Kanepi. In Norton, the Dell Technologies Championship enters the third day. LPGA action comes from Portland, where it’s day 4 of the Cambia Portland Classic. On the European Tour, Made in Denmark concludes at Silkeborg Ry Golf Club. Elsewhere in Europe, Stage 9 of the Vuelta a España gets underway. Further road cycling action comes from Carmarthenshire, where a star studded line up including Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas headline the Tour of Britain. In Newcastle, the opening weekend of Premiership rugby action concludes with reigning champions Saracens up against Newcastle Falcons, who finished a strong fourth last season. Meanwhile in Rugby League, the Bulldogs play the Sharks in the NRL. In the Czech Republic, the Karlovy Vary Triathlon World Cup continues.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Formula 1