Monza, Sep 9 (DPA) Sebastian Vettel returns to the Italian Formula One Grand Prix after a remarkable transformation from outsider to championship contender.

At the age 21, the German became the youngest race winner in F1 history when he stunned the favourites in a Toro Rosso in Monza 12 months ago.

Now he returns as a driver for Toro Rosso's parent team Red Bull, hoping that history will repeat itself as he is determined to further cut his deficit on championship leader Jenson Button of the Brawn GP team.

'My title chances are intact... I want to win,' Vettel told (DPA). 'We are about to close the gap.'

Button won five of the first seven season races, but lost his momentum since and not made the podium in the following five races. He did did not finish for the first time this season on August 30 in Belgium.

Vettel has two season wins for a career tally of three, plus four further podiums. His third place in Belgium was welcome after he failed to finish the two previous races.

Button leads the standings with 72 points, with team-mate Rubens Barrichello on 56, Vettel on 53 and Webber on 51.5 with five races left in the season.

The return to Monza only adds to Vettel's excitement.

'Without a doubt, Monza 2008 is one of my best memories, as it was where I scored my first F1 win, after taking my very first F1 pole.