Leclerc leads Ferrari one-two in opening practice at Monza

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Charles Leclerc gave Ferrari fans an early reason to celebrate at Monza on Friday, setting the fastest time as the Scuderia secured a one-two finish in the opening practice session for the Italian Grand Prix.

Leclerc posted a best lap of 1:23.008, edging teammate Lewis Hamilton by 0.173 seconds as Ferrari immediately showed strong pace at its home circuit.

The result was greeted enthusiastically by the thousands of Ferrari supporters who had filled the historic Monza circuit, with the famous tifosi creating the traditional sea of red around the track.

Mercedes' George Russell completed the top three, finishing 0.304 seconds behind Leclerc. Russell is level on points with Hamilton in the championship standings, adding further significance to the opening session.

Red Bull's Liam Lawson was fourth fastest, continuing his stint as a replacement for the injured Isack Hadjar, while Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli finished fifth.

Championship leader Antonelli faces a difficult weekend after taking an engine-related penalty that is expected to force him to start Sunday's race from the back of the grid.

Reigning world champion Lando Norris was sixth for McLaren, with Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad seventh and Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto eighth. Alpine's Franco Colapinto and reserve driver Paul Aron completed the top 10.

Ferrari's encouraging start comes after the team introduced an updated power unit for its home race, with the Italian outfit hoping the improvements can translate into a competitive challenge for victory on Sunday.
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