Alonso leads McLaren one-two - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Alonso leads McLaren one-two

Lewis Hamilton continued the amazing start to his Formula One career by claiming second place in the Malaysian Grand Prix behind world champion Fernando Alonso.

Two-time world champion Alonso started second on the grid behind Ferrari's Felipe Massa but stormed ahead of the Brazlian by the first turn and never relented his grip to claim a first success of the new season.

And it was another impressive race for Hamilton as the rookie driver ensured a McLaren one-two for the first time since the Brazilian Grand Prix in September 2005 to add to his third place in the opening race of the season in Melbourne.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen fought Hamilton hard in the final laps but in the end had to settle for third place, finishing 0.7 seconds behind the 22-year-old.

BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld took fourth place while Massa's disappointing race ended with fifth place finish. Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella completed the top six.

Jenson Button finished 12th in his Honda, Super Aguri's Anthony Davidson took 16th while Red Bull driver David Coulthard retired on lap 39 with what appeared to be brake problems.

The victory was just the boost McLaren needed after a winless season last year, something not seen from the team for a decade.

Hamilton has shown experience beyond his 22 years in the first two races of the season so far and if his early performances are anything to go by, he is destined for much success in Formula One.

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