Alonso wins German GP, his third in season

Fernando Alonso extended his lead in this year's Formula One drivers' World Championship yesterday when he drove to a flawless victory for Ferrari in the German Grand Prix.

Driving with perfect judgement and great speed, the 30-year-old Spaniard started from pole position and dominated the 67-lap race in consummate style as he came home 3.7 seconds ahead of local hero, defending champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull.

Alonso celebrates on the podium in Hockenheim yesterday. Pic/AFP

It was Alonso's third win this year after his triumphs in Malaysia and at the European Grand Prix, and it was also the 22nd consecutive race in which he had finished in the points for Ferrari. He moves 34 points clear of Mark Webber in the title race with 154 points to the Australian's 120.

"We'll enjoy the win," said Alonso. "Starting on pole was the key factor because it was difficult to overtake and we were not the fastest but we kept the position."

Drawing a parallel with Europe's troubled economic situation, Alonso added: "I don't really know politics, but it is true that the situation is not great in Spain - but a Spanish driver in an Italian car, designed by a Greek man is good to win here."

Briton Jenson Button of McLaren came home third after being passed by Vettel, who ran wide and off the track, on the penultimate lap.

Vettel demoted
Vettel was demoted to fifth after receiving a 20sec penalty for passing Jenson Button.

Vettel was handed the penalty for his manoeuvre past McLaren's Button on the penultimate lap and dropped back having initially finished second 3.7 sec behind race winner, and world championship leader, Alonso. - u00a0