A front-row lockout at Monza 24 years ago

©WRI

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©WRI

The Italian Grand Prix's front-row grid will be an all-Ferrari affair this afternoon, an achievement by the House of Maranello that also occured at Monza 24 years ago!

Local heroes Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger were those who painted the front row red back then, the Frenchman clinching his first ever pole on the occasion, after 82 attempts…

It wasn't to be a double dose of joy for the tifosi however, with Alesi retiring after just 14 laps while Berger held his own to finish second behind Williams' Damon Hill.

The last time the Scuderia monopolised the front row at the Italian Grand Prix was in 2000, with Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello leading the field. On that occasion the German driver prevailed while his team mate was part of a first lap pile-up that eliminated five drivers.

Ferrari's last home win you ask? That would be 2010, courtesy of Fernando Alonso...

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.