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Sun, Sep 27, 2009
AsiaOne, AFP
Hamilton basks in Singapore redemption

By John O'Brien

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton prepared to party the night away on Sunday after an accomplished Singapore Grand Prix victory that redeemed his last lap crash in Italy two weeks ago.

The Formula One world champion, mathematically out of the championship chase, had conceded his title at Monza when he crashed while challenging overall leader Jenson Button for second place.

"I love coming to Singapore, they had a huge crowd here and put on a great show, so I came here hoping for a great result after what happened in the last race," the Briton told reporters after finishing 9.6 seconds ahead of Toyota's Timo Glock.

"In the end, I did it... we did it and we are very, very happy."

Hamilton landed in Singapore knowing there were four races left to redeem a disappointing season that had brought him just one win in Hungary.

His McLaren has improved in recent weeks but after complaining about his car and the track prior to qualifying, the 24-year-old's mood changed completely after he took pole position and converted that advantage into a win.

"It was not a perfect Friday (practice) but Saturday was great," he added. "I had my family and girlfriend here, so overall it was an incredible weekend and I am looking forward to a big celebration tonight."

Fending off the challenges of first Nico Rosberg then Sebastian Vettel after both Germans picked up drive-through penalties for pitlane misdemeanours, Hamilton was untroubled in the closing laps.

"It was fairly straightforward after I made a good start and was able to build a gap over the others as I knew I had more fuel so could stay out longer," the Briton said.

"It was a nicely controlled race so I have to thank my team for a great weekend."

Hamilton can now turn his attention to next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, a circuit he is excited about racing on for the first time.

"I have never been there but have been told that after Monaco it is the best circuit and I grew up watching great drivers of the past race there and have always wanted to go," Hamilton said.

"So I am excited but sure it will be a very tough weekend as I get to learn the circuit and master it. I'll do all I can and given the momentum of this race it should be a positive experience."


S'pore Grand Prix results

1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/McLaren) - 1hr 56 mins 06.337 secs

2. Timo Glock (GER/Toyota) - 1 hr 56 mins 9.634 secs

3. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Renault) - 1 hr 56 mins 16.624 secs

4. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull) - 1 hr 56 mins 20.261 secs

5. Jenson Button (GBR/Brawn) - 1 hr 56 mins 30.015 secs

6. Rubens Barrichello (BRA/Brawn) - 1 hr 56 mins 31.858 secs

7. Heikki Kovalainen (FIN/McLaren) - 1 hr 56 mins 36.157 secs

8. Robert Kubica (POL/BMW Sauber) - 1 hr 56 mins 55.054 secs

9. Kazuki Nakajima (JPN/Williams) - 1 hr 56 mins 56.054 secs

10. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) - 1 hr 56 mins 58.892 secs

11. Nico Rosberg (GER/Williams) - 1 hr 56 mins 59.777 secs

12. Jarno Trulli (ITA/Toyota) - 1 hr 56 mins 1:13.009 13. Giancarlo Fisichella (ITA/Ferrari) at 1:19.890 14. Vitantonio Liuzzi (ITA/Force India) at 1:33.502 -- AFP

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STORY INDEX
 
  Button uses brains to take Brawn to the brink
   
 
  Vettel's championship candle still burning
   
 
  Hamilton basks in glory of Singapore redemption
   
 
  Hamilton basks in Singapore redemption
   
 
  Hamilton storms to Singapore pole position
   
 
  Full schedule for Singapore Grand Prix 2009
   
 
  Brawn calls Singapore qualifying 'disastrous'
   
 
  F1 to get private sponsors
   
 
  Highlights: Singapore GP so far
   
 
  Banter of Britain
   
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