Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso has moved 34 points clear in the 2012 Formula One Drivers’ Championship after winning the German Grand Prix in Hockenheim on Sunday.
The Spaniard produced a flawless display from pole position in Germany to move to 154 points, beating Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel (who was later given a 20-second penalty and dropped to fifth) and McLaren’s Jenson Button past the line.
Vettel’s penalty, for going off the track when overtaking Button late in the race, saw Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen claim third spot.
However, the story of the day was Alonso who claimed his third victory of the season to move well clear of Mark Webber in the title race, with the second-placed Australian finishing eighth in Germany.
“We’ll enjoy the win. Starting on pole was the key factor because it was difficult to overtake and we were not the fastest but we kept the position,” Alonso said after the race.
He added: “The team took a few strategic decisions which were spot on. It was a very close race from start to finish. We did not have the quickest car. McLaren and Red Bull had a little bit extra but not enough to get past.”
As for Vettel’s penalty, he said: “The only intention was not to crash and to give him enough room. I have respect for him and didn’t want to squeeze him. It was good to be on the podium at the home race, but I have respect for the stewards’ decision.”