Vettel defies the odds to claim world title
Sebastian Vettel is the 2010 Formula One world champion after winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in impressive style.
The 23-year-old Red Bull driver started the race third in the standings but had qualified in pole position and never let his advantage slip.
Fernando Alonso, who had started the race at the top of the drivers' standings and was the favourite to claim his third title, had to settle for seventh, with Red Bull's other title hope, Mark Webber, back in eighth.
The Spaniard had been on 246 points before the race, eight clear of Webber, 15 above Vettel and 24 ahead of of Lewis Hamilton, but had to endure a disappointing Grand Prix.
He had started from third on the grid and only needed to finish fourth to be certain of winning the title, but fell behind Button at the start, after the 2009 champion made a whirlwing opening.
Ferrari seemed to think Webber would be Alonso's main threat and allowed Vettel to open up a 28-second lead at one point but it was their driver who slipped down the field.
Vettel came into the pits on the 24th lap and re-entered the race in second behind Button who was yet to pit. By this time, Alonso was back in 11th and struggling to get past Renault's Vitaly Petrov.
Alonso's final hope was extinguished when Robert Kubica emerged from his pit stop ahead of the Ferrari driver, allowing Vettel to claim a majestiic success.
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All`s well what ends well.
I couldn`t stand Alonso`s arrogance and he got his ass kicked but Petrov. Now we have to write a petition to Renault in order to save Petrov`s seat although the money he got will definitely guarantee at least other 4 years on F1.