Rosberg wins season opening Australian Grand Prix
Date
3/20/2016 4:10:49 AM
(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team's German driver NicoRosberg(L) celebrates with his team members after winning the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 20 2016. AFP / SAEED KHAN
By Ian Ransom
MELBOURNE: Nico Rosberg won a dramatic Australian Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday after Ferrari's challenge was squandered by a bungled tyre strategy and Fernando Alonso walked away from a spectacular crash that reduced his McLaren to a mangled wreck.
Rosberg's 15th career victory was also his fourth in succession after the German won the final three races of last season.
His team mate and pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton finished second some eight seconds behind after recovering from a chaotic start that pushed the defending world champion back to sixth at the first turn.
Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel led for much of the race but his advantage was eroded by poor tyre management especially after Alonso's crash brought out a red flag as his compatriot Rosberg coasted home.
"Yeah! awesome guys awesome. Great start to the season" Rosberg yelled down the team radio.
New team Haas celebrated points on debut with Frenchman Romain Grosjean finishing sixth behind Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Williams driver Felipe Massa.
REUTERS