Monza ticket sales boosted by Ferrari success

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The resurgence of Ferrari this season is benefitting ticket sales for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza which takes place on September 3.

Former F1 driver Ivan Capelli, who is involved in the event's organisation as the Milan Automobile club chief, says Monza's prospects have been given a boost thanks to Sebastian Vettel's wins this season and his leading the fight for the world title.

"We have already sold 35 per cent more tickets than last year around this time," Capelli told Dutch publication Formule 1.

"We expect a full house," he added.

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"No longer do you hear people talk only about football. Formula 1 is the main discussion over cappuccino now.

"I really believe that Vettel can be world champion," said the former Ferrari driver.

The Scuderia's last win on home soil was back in 2010, with Fernando Alonso, while Kimi Raikkonen was the last Ferrari driver to be crowned world champion, in 2007.

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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.