Vettel storms to victory in Melbourne season-opener

Melbourne: Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel made a perfect start to his Formula One world title defence with a pole to flag victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 23-year-old German blasted off the grid and never looked troubled as he notched up his 11th career victory and third in a row going back to last season by 22.2 seconds from McLaren's Lewis Hamilton.

"Thank you boys, fantastic race. Really controlled, thank you very much. Very cool. Excellent car, excellent stops. We learned a lot today," Vettel said on his team radio after crossing the line.

Image: Red Bull Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany raises his trophy on the podium after winning the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 27, 2011.

Text: Reuters

Images: AP

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