Nico Rosberg has vowed to treat each of the remaining seven races like a “cup final” as he bids to stop Lewis Hamilton from winning a likely fourth world drivers’ championship.

Hamilton will arrive at this week’s Italian Grand Prix still in charge of the title race following his superb comeback drive from the last row of the grid to third in Belgium on Sunday.

And while Rosberg sauntered unchallenged to victory – his sixth of the season – the German remains on the backfoot in the championship.

Not only is he nine points behind his Mercedes team-mate, but Rosberg will also be aware that Hamilton traditionally enjoys a stronger second half of the season.

In 2014, the British driver won six of the final seven grands prix to claim the title, while last year Hamilton triumphed in five of the six races after the summer break to win the championship with three rounds to spare at the US Grand Prix.

Rosberg, who failed to finish last season’s race at Monza following an engine failure, said: “Last year obviously didn’t end so well for me there, so I’m hoping for a bit more luck and a little less fire this time.

“I’m really enjoying the battle out there right now. We’ve got several cars in the mix now which is exciting for us and also the fans. For me, I’m taking every race like a cup final. It’s great to know you have the team and the car to just go out there and lay it on the line.”

After serving his engine penalty in Spa - a punishment which has been looming over him since the opening races of the season – Hamilton is now the firm favourite to seal his third title in as many years.

The 31-year-old has won the Italian Grand Prix in each of the past two seasons, and last year he dominated the event after leading the way in every practice and qualifying session before winning from pole and posting the fastest lap of the race.

“Now we go to Monza – a track I know well from so many racing categories throughout my career – and one it’s impossible not to love,” said Hamilton, who celebrated his fine race in Belgium by going out for dinner with his mother Carmen Lockhart on Sunday night.

“The speed, the history, and the atmosphere is just so iconic in every way. And standing on that amazing podium, looking out over a sea of fans on the straight, has to be up there as of the most incredible experiences a sportsman can have.

“I had a perfect weekend on track there last year and if I can repeat that it would be amazing. It’s game on for me now with the penalties out of the way and fresh engines ready to use.”

Magnussen fitness check

Renault driver Kevin Magnussen will have to pass a fitness check at Monza today before being cleared to race in the Italian Grand Prix after his big crash in Belgium last weekend.

Renault said in a statement that the Dane, who went to hospital after Sunday’s accident at Spa left him with a heavily bruised left ankle, had undergone further checks in Denmark that indicated he was fit to race in Italy.

He must, however, pass a mandatory FIA test at the circuit.

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