The Italian Grand Prix preview

The 2009 Formula 1 season was unpredictable enough before Spa. Now there's Fisichella in a Ferrari, a competitive Force India, Renault bringing back KERS in the midst of its off-track distractions... oh, and a there's a title battle going on too

After the form book was turned on its head at the Belgian Grand Prix two weeks ago, it would take someone bold – or foolhardy – to lay any money on what will happen at Monza on Sunday. But one thing is beyond doubt, with just five races to go, what happens at F1's most historic venue will have a major say in who is crowned 2009 world champion.

All eyes will be on Jenson Button, whose run of 11 points over the past five races has looked anything but title form. Yet still he sits atop the points table, 16 clear of Brawn team-mate Rubens Barrichello. The margin looks comfortable, but Button will be anything but relaxed as he chases the strong result he needs to stabilise his lead and take a big stride towards that first world championship.

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