The Northern Ireland man's performance in Italy equalled his best previous finish this season which was at the Chinese Grand Prix.

BBC: Laverty 13th in Italian 250cc GP

The planned modifications to both cars were delayed due to the volcanic ash cloud that left the teams stranded in Shanghai for days after the Chinese Grand Prix last month.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

"We're here to race, " said Hamilton, who at the penultimate Chinese Grand Prix was dogged by accusations of aggressive driving.

BBC: Relaxed Hamilton ignores pressure

SHANGHAI Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso won the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix Sunday, claiming his and the team's first win since last year's race in Germany.

WSJ: Ferrari's Alonso Wins Grand Prix

Before this month's Chinese Grand Prix the FIA announced a tender for "a third-party supplier of engines and transmission systems" to be used by all teams in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

BBC: Ferrari make F1 engine row threat