Button wins in Melbourne

Jenson Button
12 April 2012

Reigning world champion Jenson Button produced a brilliant performance to claim his first win of the season at a fascinating Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The McLaren driver had started fourth on the grid but with pole sitter Sebastian Vettel and Red-Bull team-mate Mark Webber notably faster during qualifying, the 30-year-old seemed to be facing a tough task if he was to challenge for victory.

However, Vettel was once again the victim of bad luck as a brake problem ended his race midway through and, after he had made his move following a frenetic start at Albert Park, Button surged into the lead on lap 26 where he remained to the chequered flag, finishing over 12 seconds ahead of Renault's Robert Kubica.

Ferrari's Felipe Massa secured his place on the podium for the second successive race as he climbed from fifth to take third place in his Ferrari.

Massa's team-mate Fernando Alonso recovered from a spin at turn one on the first lap to take fourth place while Mercedes' Nico Rosberg finished fifth with 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton claiming sixth place.

The victory for Button also marked his first with his new team and the Briton was struggling to find the words to describe his feelings after he climbed from his car.

"It is very special," he said. "It has taken me a while to get to grips with the car but the team have been fantastic.

"I don't know what to say, it is very difficult to put into words. I feel I am building in confidence.This is just too good."

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