F1: Vettel dominates Bahrain Grand Prix in easy victory

Sebastian Vettel claimed his second win in four races as the German eased to victory in Bahrain. The Red Bull driver made it back to back wins at Bahrain, stamping his dominance on the track.

The current champion was able to resist the challenge of Lotus drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean, who came second and third respectfully. Lewis Hamilton was only able to claim a fifth place finish, whilst Fernando Alonso, who suffered a torrid time in Bahrain, salvaged eighth following a rear wing failure.

In the opening lap, Vettel was able to fend off Fernando Alonso, despite the Spaniard having the lead in turns one and two. Vettel was able to retake command on turn five and never looked back.

Alonso’s wing panel twice became stuck open when using his DRS overtaking aid, forcing him to pit both times for mechanical adjustment. It did the Spaniard no favours in clawing back Championship points, with the controversial character lying in fourth.

It was a performance of sheer class from the Championship table topper, with Vettel himself saying “[It was a] faultless, seamless race from start to finish. I knew it was crucial to get into the lead and look after the tyres, the pace was phenomenal, the car was great. I could push every single lap and look after the tyres.”

“I lost out to Fernando at the first corner, but I could get him back. I saved some Kers and could out-accelerate him into Turn Six. Out of Turn four I did the same on Nico, a little bit of Kers and got him into Turn Five.”

Vettel finds himself ten Championship points clear of nearest rival Kimi Raikkonen and 13 points ahead of Brit Lewis Hamilton. Raikonnen managed to leap from eighth to second in the Bahrain Grand Prix having used a two-stop strategy.

Thomas Bradley, sport correspondent

Top 8 race results

1. Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Red Bull 1hr 36min 00.498secs

2. Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Lotus +00:09.111

3. Romain Grosjean (Fra) Lotus 00:19.507

4. Paul Di Resta (GB) Force India 00:21.727

5. Lewis Hamilton (GB) Mercedes 00:35.230

6. Sergio Perez (Mex) McLaren 00:35.998

7. Mark Webber (Aus) Red Bull 00:37.244

8. Fernando Alonso (Spa) Ferrari 00:37.574