Mario Andretti joins NBCSN’s F1 coverage from Monza

Andretti putting Ferrari on pole at Monza in 1982. The place went nuts.

Racing fans will be treated to the voice of one of the greatest drivers of all-time this weekend. Mario Andretti will join NBCSN’s coverage of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix from historic Monza for pre-race, race and post-race broadcasts as a guest analyst.

Andretti won at Monza in 1977 and also clinched the 1978 Formula One World Championship there . Andretti’s distinguished list of awards and accomplishments include Driver of the Century honors by both the Associated Press and RACER Magazine, and over 100 victories during his five-decade career.

NBCSN’s comprehensive coverage of the Italian Grand Prix begins on Friday morning with live coverage of practice at 8 a.m. ET. Qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix will also air live on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. ET. Live pre-race coverage of the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday begins at 7:30 a.m. ET, with the race slated to begin at 8 a.m. ET. F1 Extra, NBC Sports Group’s half-hour post-race show, will air immediately following the conclusion of the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday. All are also available on NBC Sports Live Extra live streaming.

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) cruised to victory in the Shell Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps on Aug. 25, increasing his lead atop the F1 Points Standings over Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) to 46 points with eight races left in the 2013 campaign. Vettel and Alonso have each won the Italian Grand Prix twice; Vettel won in 2008 and 2011, while Alonso took the checkered flag in 2007 and 2010. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) currently sits in third place (139 pts) in the F1 Points Standings, and took first place at the Italian Grand Prix last year.

Here’s Andretti on the experience and the current state of play in F1:

Andretti on joining NBCSN’s Formula One telecast: “I’m flattered to have been asked, and I’m looking forward to joining NBCSN’s iconic team of Formula One announcers. I hope they don’t expect too much because I’m a real rookie – I’ve only done one or two races, and I was paying attention to my son (former Formula One and IndyCar driver) Michael most of the time."

Andretti on personal significance of Italian Grand Prix: “The Italian Grand Prix has particular significance and importance for me, being Italian and having seen my very first Formula One race right there at Monza. At that point, I can say my real dream of becoming a race car driver began."

Andretti on the state of Formula One: “Formula One is really enjoying its glory days. It’s probably as well-positioned and interesting as ever. You have five world champions competing at the same time, all young enough to have long careers. The level of talent is probably unprecedented."

In addition to its live coverage of the Italian Grand Prix, NBCSN’s more than 15 hours of motorsports coverage this weekend will also include TRANSLOGIC and Mobil 1 The Grid. A full release of NBCSN’s motorsports coverage this weekend is linked here, via the NBC Sports Group Press Box website.