Monza (Italy), Sep 8 (IANS) Force India’s disappointing weekend culminated with neither of their drivers finishing in the top 10 of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix here Sunday.
Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel extended his championship lead to 53 points by crossing the chequered flag 5.4 seconds clear of Fernando Alonso, who pleased the Ferrari fans with a podium finish after starting fifth on the grid. Mark Webber secured third place in the other Red Bull in his last Grand Prix at Monza.
Force India struggled for pace in practice and qualifying and were off to a terrible start in the 53-lap race.
Paul di Resta locked up his brakes into the second chicane and ran into Romain Grosjean, losing his front wheel in the process. It was the first time that di Resta retired on the opening lap.
His teammate Adrian Sutil was classified 16th after he pitted with one lap remaining.
Force India, who lost fifth place to McLaren at Spa, remain on 61 points. McLaren are on 66 points after Jenson Button collected a point for finishing 10th.
