24 Sep 2012

Vettel cuts Alonso's lead after winning Singapore

5:55 am on 24 September 2012

The world motor racing champion Sebastian Vettel has strengthened his chances of claiming a third successive Formula One title with victory at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Vettel inherited the lead from McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, who retired on the 23rd lap with a gearbox failure, and withstood the challenge of Jenson Button through two safety car periods to repeat his victory of last year.

The championship leader Fernando Alonso finished third but his advantage over Vettel has been cut to 29 points with six rounds remaining.

Force India's Paul di Resta was fourth, his best finish in Formula One.

The incident-packed race was shortened by two laps after the two-hour time limit expired.