Motor racing-Leclerc raises Ferrari hopes with Italian GP pole

Formula One F1 - Italian Grand Prix - Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy - September 10, 2022 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc celebrates after qualifying in pole position REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini

MONZA, Italy (Reuters) -Charles Leclerc seized pole position for the Italian Formula One Grand Prix and sent Ferrari hopes soaring on Saturday while Mercedes' George Russell joined him on the front row once penalties were applied.

Nine of the 20-driver grid went into qualifying with grid drops hanging over them, in most cases for breaching their engine allowance for strategic reasons at a key moment in the season.