Brilliant Victory as Sebastian Vettel Makes History

Action

Sebastian Vettel has made history for both himself and Toro Rosso by winning the Italian Grand Prix at Monza today. The win is Vettel's and Toro Rosso's first ever victory in a Grand Prix. The win also means Vettel is the youngest ever Grand Prix winner, beating previous record holder Fernando Alonso.

After taking pole position in qualifying, Vettel held the position for most of the race and won it 12.25 seconds ahead of second placed Heikki Kovalainen, in the McLaren Mercedes. BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica took the final place on the podium with his third placed finish.

In very wet conditions, several of the top drivers struggled, including Felipe Massa, who finished sixth, and Lewis Hamilton, who started from 15th and battled his way up to seventh, to maintain his lead at the top in the World Drivers' Championship.

Current WDC champion Kimi Raikkonen could only manage ninth after starting from 14th position. It means the Ferrari driver is now 21 points off the pace in the WDC.

Reaction

It was a fantastic win for Sebastian Vettel, who understandably was thrilled with his victory. "I can't believe it. I am lost for words. It is amazing," the German said over the team radio.

In the press conference after the race, he said: "For sure this is the best day of my life. These pictures, these emotions—I will never forget."

Starting from pole position was also important for Vettel, who went on to say: "Being first and having no visibility problems at all I think was the key. I could make a gap to Heikki straight away."

Runner-up Heikki Kovalainen said that he had no chance of beating Vettel, due to his tires and brake problems.

"It was not possible to win today, I was just trying to push and go faster. I think it was the maximum we could do today."