Fernando Alonso's ailing title bid needs a boost at Monza

Monza: Fernando Alonso's faltering bid for a third Formula One title will take another blow if he fails to finish ahead of championship leader Sebastian Vettel at the Italian Grand Prix.

Alonso is 46 points behind Vettel in second place but will have the backing from the fervent fans on Sunday at Monza - considered manufacturer Ferrari's home race. But he will need more than that, as Ferrari must qualify strongly in order to pressure Vettel on a track where the last three winners and five of the past six started from pole position.

Bad news for Alonso, who has not qualified higher than third. Although the Spaniard drove impressively at the Belgian GP two weeks ago, finishing second, he has not won since the Spanish GP in May.