Malaysian Grand Prix 2010 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Sebastian Vettel finally converted Red Bull's blistering pace into a commanding victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, leading home teammate Mark Webber for the team's first one-two finish of the season. The result showcased the RB6's devastating speed when reliability held, with Vettel controlling the race from start to finish at the sweltering Sepang circuit and signaling that Red Bull would be the team to beat when their car reached the checkered flag.

Starting from second on the grid behind Webber's pole position, Vettel made a better start than his Australian teammate and seized the lead into Turn 1, demonstrating the aggressive racecraft that would become his trademark. Once ahead, the young German was untouchable in the tropical heat, managing his tires expertly and pulling away from Webber to secure his first victory of the season. The Red Bull RB6's Adrian Newey-designed aerodynamics proved devastatingly effective at Sepang's combination of high-speed corners and long straights, with both Red Bulls in a different league to their rivals. Webber followed Vettel home in second place, though he pushed hard throughout and set the fastest lap, suggesting the internal Red Bull rivalry that would intensify as the season progressed.

Nico Rosberg delivered a brilliant drive to claim third place for Mercedes, securing the returning German manufacturer's first podium since their comeback. The Mercedes MGP W01 showed promising race pace, and Rosberg's performance marked him as a regular points scorer. Fernando Alonso could only manage ninth for Ferrari after struggling in the heat, losing the championship lead he'd established in Bahrain. The race took place in typical Malaysian conditions - oppressively hot and humid with the constant threat of afternoon thunderstorms - testing both man and machine. Vettel's victory demonstrated that Red Bull's pace advantage was real and significant, though the reliability concerns that had cost them in the opening races remained a question mark hanging over their championship challenge.