Vettel keeps cool as Di Grassi brings relief to Virgin

The 22-year-old German had found himself the victim of reliability issues that have hampered his Red Bull in the opening two races this year, with a spark plug problem and then a wheel issue seeing him surrender pole in both Bahrain and Australia.

And it was a good day for Yorkshire's Virgin Racing as Lucas Di Grassi helped them celebrate a first ever finish by placing 14th, despite starting the race from the back of the grid.

Vettel lined up in the second row on the Sepang circuit today with team-mate Mark Webber on pole and Mercedes' Nico Rosberg second on the grid.

But he was quick off the mark as he surged passed Rosberg and then traded places with Webber on the first couple of turns before eventually building a dominant advantage and lead a Red Bull one-two ahead of Webber.

"It is a very good result for us, especially after the first two races where we did not finish where we wanted to," said Vettel.

"I thank the team as it was crucial not to panic and to stay relaxed as it is a long season.

"Sitting here on Sunday afternoon having secured first place is the best result we can get and on top of that Mark getting second place is a big plus for the team.

"I am very, very happy."

Webber, meanwhile, was not too disappointed to have been denied victory and instead acknowledged it was a deserved win for Vettel.

"We know these days with the strategy and the way the race unfolds the first part of race is crucial," said the Australian.

"It was a good fight today but he deserved the victory.

"First and second is sensational. It has been a tough few races where clearly we didn't finish where we should, so coming to the weekend, you will take this kind of result.

"I would like to be one step further up, but we executed a perfect weekend."

For the full story, and reaction to Virgin Racing's performance, read Sports Monday inside tomorrow's Yorkshire Post.