Sebastian Vettel is hoping renewed success for Ferrari can rekindle Italy's love for Formula 1 and save the Grand Prix at Monza.

Decreasing attendances and higher costs have left the race at the sport's most historic venue at a crossroads with the 2019 race potentially the last.

As is the case in Germany, maintaining interest was tricky after the ultra-successful era of Michael Schumacher and the Scuderia but Ferrari haven't won in front of the Tifosi for eight years.

"I don’t think the car was there right from the beginning [of the season], but I think we’ve got it now to a point where it seems to work everywhere and we are competitive," Vettel said after Spa.

“So I hope it helps Monza to boost the race. I’m sure we will get a lot of support, but I also hope it helps Monza stay on the calendar for a long time because I heard some rumors, so…

“I’m looking forward to going to Italy. Obviously, I spend quite a bit of time there, but racing in Italy is special for us with Ferrari. It’s our home race so it should be a lot of fun," he added.

“I think it will be nice anyway to go to Monza. If you are dressed in the right colour – which I am – then I think Monza is always an absolute highlight. As a racing driver, I don’t think it gets any better than that.

“Now maybe with a win [at Spa] just a week before the race, maybe it does get better. I’m curious. But for us it’s a great race.”

The week didn't quite off to the ideal start though, with Vettel crashing into the barrier during a show run in Milan on Wednesday.

Let's hope that's the only blemish he'll have over the Grand Prix weekend.