Lewis Hamilton quickest at Monza practice

Mercedes', Lewis Hamilton drives practice at the Autodromo Nazional circuit in Monza, Italy yesterday

Monza: Lewis Hamilton continued his current F1 domination by topping the times ahead of Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg in the second free practice ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton drives practice at the Autodromo Nazional circuit in Monza, Italy yesterday. Pic/AFP

The newly-blond defending two-time world champion, in his 50th Grand Prix for Mercedes, clocked a best lap in one minute and 24.279 seconds on a warm afternoon at the high-speed Autodromo Nazional, where Mercedes' new engines reigned supreme.

Hamilton's best time was 0.021 seconds faster than that of his German partner, who became a father for the first time last weekend and who lies 28 points adrift in the drivers' title race.

Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel was third for Ferrari, unable to close a gap of 0.759 seconds on the two ‘silver arrows' much to the disappointment of the tifosi gathered within the old royal park where the circuit plays host to their home event.