Alonso claims 2nd China GP victory with big gap

SHANGHAI - Fernando Alonso took Ferrari's first victory of the season here on Sunday at the Chinese Grand Prix, the third race of this year's Formula One world championship, having it comfortably sewn up with a big margin lead of 10.1 seconds ahead of a close battle for the second place between three other drivers.

Ferrari Formula One driver Fernando Alonso of Spain celebrates with the winner's trophy next to second-placed Lotus Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen of Finland during the victory ceremony of the Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International circuit, April 14, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

This is the second China Grand Prix victory for the Spaniard, who won here at Shanghai International Circuit, with a lap distance of 5.451km, in 2005.

The season opener winner, Finn Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus, and Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton, who started from the pole, both finished on podium as the former came home second with just 2.1 seconds ahead of Hamilton.

Sebastian Vettel, having claimed the second event victory of F1 for Red Bull, was narrowly held off to the fourth place by just 0.2 second across the line.

Teammates celebrate as Ferrari Formula One driver Fernando Alonso of Spain drives past them to win at the end of the Chinese F1 Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, April 14, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]