13 Jul 2009

Webber breaks through at German grand prix

5:51 am on 13 July 2009

Mark Webber has broken through for his maiden formula one victory and Australia's first since 1981, leading home his Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel in this morning's German Grand Prix.

Starting from pole position for the first time in 130 races, Webber had to overcome a drive-through penalty for a first lap collision on his way to a spectacular win at the circuit in the Eifel mountains.

The 32-year-old took the chequered flag 9.3 seconds clear of Vettel, while Ferrari's Felipe Massa achieved his first podium finish of the year, and Nico Rosberg finished fourth for Williams.

Jenson Button with 68 points is still the clear leader in the championship followed by Vettel on 47 points, Webber 45.5, and Reubens Barrichello 44.

The defending world champion Lewis Hamilton finished 18th and last after a hot-headed attack on the opening lap saw him involved in a collision with Webber's car that cost him a puncture.