Italian Grand Prix first and second practice commentary

Summary

Ferrari's Vettel fastest, Raikkonen second, Hamilton third
Sauber's Ericsson in huge accident as DRS fails
Car somersaults multiple times - Ericsson says he's 'OK'
F1 2019 draft calendar released - season set to finish on 1 December
German GP included at Hockenheim; Suzuka signs Japanese GP contract until 2021

Live Reporting

Michael Emons

get involved
Get Involvedpublished at 10:02 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
How do you make F1 less predictable and more fun?
Our first chat concerns that Alonso interview. He says he would have more fun away from Formula 1.
So tell us... How do you make F1 less predictable and more fun?
Tweet us using #bbcf1
'I'd stay if I was winning'published at 09:58 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
And here you can watch a clip with Alonso from that interview...
Media caption,
Fernando Alonso - F1 becoming too predictable
I'll have more fun away from F1 - Alonsopublished at 09:57 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
Image source, Getty Images
In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso opens up on retirement and his excitement for what lies ahead.
Alonso says he would be staying in Formula 1 if he had a winning car - but would not enjoy it as much as racing in another series.
The two-time world champion also, in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, renewed his criticism of the "too predictable" sport in which "only two teams can win".
Alonso said: "I read I am stopping because I am not competitive, which is partly true. If I was winning all the races, I would continue. But it's also true I would not be having the same fun as I am elsewhere."
In a wide-ranging interview before the Italian Grand Prix, Alonso discussed:
- How he feels about being considered to have had less success than his talent deserves
- The difficulties of racing an uncompetitive car for the last five years
- His feelings about modern F1
- His view of Ferrari's current success in the context of his five years with the team
- His fascination with the Indianapolis 500
- Highlights of his illustrious career
- His emotions about leaving F1 after 17 years
It is fascinating stuff, so get reading...
Suzuka renews Japanese GP contractpublished at 09:53 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
As our man Andrew says, that's good news indeed... Suzuka has staged the Japanese GP since 1987, save for 2007 and 2008 when it was held at Fuji.
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Image source, Rex Features
Postpublished at 09:51 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
Away from Italy, let's bring you with a little bit of news from elsewhere in the Formula 1 world...
Weather watch...published at 09:50 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
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We are meant to get going on track at 10:00 BST. Anyone going to be brave to give it a go?
Still raining...published at 09:48 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
You think being a Formula 1 photographer is glamorous? Well some poor man or woman had to stand outside getting absolutely soaked just to bring you this image...
Image source, Getty Images
Postpublished at 09:43 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
Meanwhile, here's Sebastian Vettel running for cover under an umbrella...
Image source, Getty Images
Scooter time...published at 09:40 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
It's raining. So what do you do? Take a ride on your scooter is as good an idea as anyone has had today.
Here's Lewis Hamilton.....
Image source, Getty Images
'Absolutely chucking it down'published at 09:36 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
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'Torrential downpours'published at 09:35 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
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Postpublished at 09:34 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
Now I don't want to start with some bad news straight out of the gate, but the weather is not exactly the best today...
Hello...published at 09:33 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
Welcome along and thanks for joining us for the opening two practice sessions before Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.
I'm Michael Emons and will be guiding you through what action there is today.
We will have Radio 5 live commentary from Monza from 10:00 BST as well.
Home success for Ferrari?published at 09:28 British Summer Time 31 August 2018
Well, this has made things interesting...
Sebastian Vettel did what he should have done at the previous two races and took the win at the Belgian Grand Prix, overtaking championship leader Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap on his way to the win.
That cut Hamilton's lead to 17 points, and now comes Ferrari's home race at a passionate Monza. Can Hamilton spoil the Ferrari party this weekend?
Image source, Getty Images