The Heroes and Zeroes of the Italian Grand Prix weekend

Heroes

Fernando Alonso: Although his start didn't go to plan by losing the lead to Button, Alonso drove faultlessly from there to the end. Once Button pitted on lap 36 Fernando put the hammer down to pick up half a second on his in-lap, before making a lightening quick pit- entry, stop and exit to beat Button to the first corner by mere metres. The result was key to put him back in championship contention, and with leader Lewis Hamilton failing to finish, the Spaniard is now just 21 points adrift of new leader Webber, in third place.

Jenson Button: Just like Alonso, Button drove a faultless race from start to finish, never once putting a wheel wrong. He was under intense pressure from Alonso throughout the first stint, knowing that one single error would allow the Ferrari past, but he comfortably kept the lead until pitting on lap 36. His only hope for winning the race would have been for Alonso to pit on the same lap, but instead he had to settle for second place, closing to within 22 points of the championship leader.