SEPANG, Malaysia, (Reuters) – Sebastian Vettel powered to victory in the Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday, the German registering his second pole-to-flag win in as many races to open his Formula One title defence.
McLaren’s Jenson Button drove a composed race to take second place, ahead of a spirited Nick Heidfeld who capitalised on a brilliant start to round off the podium places in his Renault.
“Fantastic job. In the heat we kept our heads cool. Thank you,” Vettel told his Red Bull team over the radio after winning his fourth race in a row.
“A pleasure every weekend to be with you. I’m loving it.”
Vettel’s team mate Mark Webber did well to claim fourth place following a poor start as both Red Bulls ditched the KERS boost system mid-race after suffering reliability issues. On an afternoon when nursing the tyres through each stint was key and the threat of rain always an issue, Vettel drove a faultless race from the front and navigated the flurry of pit stops with a minimum of fuss.
“I think he was the coolest guy here today — his composure in the car, the way he controlled the race, looked after the tyres, did what he needed to when he had to,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner told reporters.
The Ferraris of Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso took the next two places, with Lewis Hamilton finishing seventh on the track in the other McLaren after he and Alonso collided when they were fighting for third late on.
