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Grand Prix win for Vettel

September 8, 2013

Germany's Sebastian Vettel has won the Italian Grand Prix for Red Bull, extending his championship lead ahead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso. Vettel is now a step closer to clinching his fourth straight Formula One title.

https://p.dw.com/p/19doL
German Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing (L) pulls out ahead of Brazilian Formula One driver Felipe Massa of Scuderia Ferrari at the start of the Italian Formula One Grand Prix in Monza (photo via dpa)
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

Despite a difficult start from pole position, Vettel came home a comfortable 5.4 seconds clear of Alonso to win Sunday's Grand Prix at Monza.

The 26-year-old German locked his tires on the first turn as Ferrari's Felipe Massa pressured him from behind, but went on to dominate the 53-lap race.

His Red Bull teammate, Australian Mark Webber, placed third, while Brazilian Felipe Massa followed in the second Ferrari.

With his sixth win of the season now in the bag, Vettel leads two-time former champion Alonso by 53 points with 175 available. With just seven races remaining, it is becoming increasingly likely he'll take home his fourth Formula one title.

Vettel has seen three career wins at Monza and 32 overall, nevertheless he appeared more emotional than usual - pumping his fist several times as he walked up the steps to the podium.

"Very good boys, very good race," Vettel yelled over his car radio when he crossed the line. "Sorry for the lock up into the first corner, made the first stint a bit tricky."

It was fellow Germans who also made up fifth and sixth position with Nico Hulkenberg - who had qualified with an impressive third in his Ferrari-powered Sauber - in fifth, and Nico Rosberg behind him for Mercedes.

ccp/kms (AFP, dpa)