LEWIS Hamilton is favourite with bookies to grab pole position in Italian Grand Prix qualifying at Monza today (Saturday).

The 25-year-old Formula 1 star from Herts showed enough pace in first free practice yesterday for William Hill to cut the price of both McLaren Mercedes drivers winning in Italy.

Hamilton was 7/4 on Thursday but is now 6/4, while Jenson Button has moved from 7/1 to 11/2.

Hills are also offering 11/2 that McLaren finish first and second in either order.

Belgian Grand Prix winner Hamilton is the 11/8 favourite with Hills to qualify for pole position later today, with Reb Bull’s Sebastian Vettel 7/2 and Button 9/2.

“The McLaren cars will be hoping to take advantage of the favourable track at Monza and our punters have obviously seen enough in practice to put their faith in Lewis and Jenson this weekend,” said Hill’s spokesman Joe Crilly.

William Hill Italian Grand Prix Odds:

Outright: 6/4 Lewis Hamilton; 4/1 Sebastian Vettel; 9/2 Fernando Alonso; 11/2 Jenson Button; 7/1 Mark Webber; 14/1 Felipe Massa; 25/1 Robert Kubica; 33/1 Adrian Sutil; 100/1 BAR.

Qualifying: 11/8 Lewis Hamilton; 7/2 Sebastian Vettel; 9/2 Jenson Button; 11/2 Fernando Alonso; 7/1 Mark Webber; 20/1 Felipe Massa; 25/1 Adrian Sutil; 25/1 Robert Kubica; 100/1 BAR.

Lewis Hamilton Finishing Position: 6/4 First; 3/1 Second; 5/1 Third; 6/1 Fourth; 8/1 Fifth; 12/1 Sixth; 16/1 BAR.