Russell hits back for Mercedes in Monza practice

MONZA, Italy, Sept 4 : Formula One title contender George Russell hit back at early pacesetters Ferrari with the fastest lap of the day for Mercedes in Italian Grand Prix practice on Friday.After favourites Ferrari fired up the fans in the first session at a sweltering Monza with Charles Leclerc leading teammate Lewis Hamilton in a potent one-two at their home 'Temple of Speed", Russell surged to the top in second practice at the super-fast circuit.His lap of one minute and 22.559 seconds was 0.120 quicker than Leclerc, second in session two, and served a notice of intent ahead of a race he needs to win to close the 59 point gap to championship-leading teammate Kimi Antonelli.Leclerc had clocked a best time of 1:23.008, 0.173 quicker than Hamilton, in the first practice in front of tens of