23 Apr 2012

Vettel returns to winner's circle in Bahrain

7:04 am on 23 April 2012

The world motor racing champion Sebastian Vettel is back on top of the points table after an all the way win in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The 24 year old German chalked up his 22nd career victory with a near flawless drive from pole position, taking the chequered flag three seconds ahead of Kimi Raikkonen with the Finn's Lotus teammate Romain Grosjean third, his first podium finish in formla one.

Australian Mark Webber finished fourth in the second Red Bull, and last week's winner in China, Nico Rosberg was 5th.

Vettel leads the overall standings with 53 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton 49 and Webber on 48.

With widespread political unrest in Manama, most Bahrainis stayed away from the race, and when the drivers did their traditional post-race tour of the circuit they waved at rows of empty seats.