India, Sept. 6 -- George Russell will look to close the gap on Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli when the Italian Grand Prix gets underway here on Sunday, with his Mercedes teammate starting from the back of the grid.

Russell will start second, however, behind surprise polesitter Pierre Gasly, who stunned the field by securing the top spot for the first time in qualifying on Saturday.

The Briton will also have Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton starting immediately behind him on the second row, with the home team set to enjoy the backing of thousands of passionate, red-clad tifosi at Monza.

Russell is second in the drivers' standings, level on points with Hamilton and 59 points behind Antonelli, who is bidding to b...