Grand Prix 2011 - Vettel Wins Again

Young German driver Sebastian Vettel won the second F1 race of the season, and having won the opening Australian Grand Prix the question is who can stop him running away with the championship?

Malyasia was where Lewis Hamilton was hoping to secure a win, but it was fellow Brit and teammate Jensen Button who came second who is now perhaps the main challenge to Vettel this year.

With just seven weeks to go, it could be the Monaco Grand Prix where the street circuit makes predicting a winner a much harder affair before anyone can match both Vettel's performances and car, and both Hamilton and Button will be at Monaco banking on a good performance.

Monaco could be a turning point, but if Vettel wins every race between now and then it could be too late - but it will ensure Monaco Grand Prix tickets are in high demand.

For Malaysia, Vettel drove an impeccable race and won comfortably. Lewis Hamilton could have finished on the podium, but he and Alonso touched tyres towards the end. After the race Lewis told reporters:

'This is racing, I guess. I started second and did everything I could to keep up and I don't really have too much to say. It started as I got stuck behind Heidfeld, I had Jenson on my inside and Heidfeld on my outside so squashed into Turn One. It was difficult to defend without hitting them but that's racing sometimes.'

Perhaps in a better post-race mood thanks to his runner-up position, Jensen Button commented:

'It was a really confusing race in a way - understanding the pitstops and wondering if it was worth looking after the tyres. The last stint on the prime tyre the car came alive and there was so much more grip. I had the team telling me to back off and look after the tyres, but in the racer's mind you always want to attack.'

The good news for Grand Prix fans is that the next race is just a week away, in China, and veveryone will be wondering if it will be three wins out of three for Sebastian Vettel. There will then be a three week gap before the teams and drivers move to the start of the European races, with Istanbul due on May 8. And then a two week break before the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Monaco is Sunday May 29.

The Monaco hotels are already fully booked, but there is availability over the border into France and Italy, for those wanting to attend the best bet could be Nice, and taking the train to Monte Carlo to see the race in action.