Vettel wins, but Schuey provides the drama

SEBASTIAN VETTEL won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza to extend his lead over Fernando Alonso to 112 points. With six Formula One races remaining this season, he needs only one more win to secure the world title for a second time. Jenson Button was second in his McLaren and Alonso, who had led the early stages of the race, finished third in his Ferrari.

It was Red Bull's first victory in an Italian Grand Prix. "This was a circuit that has been tough for us to be competitive in the last couple of years and we have come back this year," Vettel said afterwards.

However the real drama of the race involved Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth, during a tussle for third place that began on lap 20. Schumacher appeared to swerve twice in his Mercedes to prevent Hamilton's McLaren overtaking when race rules dictate that a driver is only allowed one such move.

Schumacher was told of this point over the team radio by Mercedes boss Ross Brawn. "Just a reminder, Michael, please make sure you leave room for the car when you move and change direction."

Hamilton did eventually get past Schumacher on lap 28, but by then Button had overtaken both drivers with a deft piece of driving to leave his fellow Briton in fourth. Asked by BBC Sport after the race for his take on Schumacher’s tactics, Hamilton replied tersely: "That's racing."

But McLaren's team principal Martin Whitmarsh was clearly aggrieved with Schumacher’s driving, saying that Hamilton "had a fair amount of provocation and frustration in that race. I think someone drove him off the circuit pretty aggressively at one stage".

Brawn admitted that the FIA had watched Hamilton trying to overtake Schumacher and expressed their concern about the German's driving. "It is a balance between racing and not overstepping the mark," added Brawn. "They [FIA] asked us to be careful, which we were. It was great racing - and great for F1."

Schumacher, who eventually finished fifth, couldn't see what all the fuss was about when asked if he'd obstructed Hamilton. "I don't think so," he replied. "I did exactly what I was supposed to do and there was no request to see the stewards so I guess all is in order."

Hamilton now lies fifth overall in the championship standings on 158 points with compatriot Button in third with nine points more.

"It was a good race," was Button's assessment of the Italian Grand Prix. "I got some points and I finished, so I can't complain. It was tricky to catch [Hamilton and Schumacher] but when I did all hell broke loose really. There were cars everywhere. It was a lot of fun." ·