Sebastian Vettel claimed the 29th victory of his record-breaking career on Sunday when he triumphed for Red Bull at the Canadian Grand Prix for the first time to boost his lead in this year's drivers world championship. Starting from his third consecutive pole position at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the defending triple world champion came home in unchallenged fashion at the end of a serene showing of dominant driving from the front. It was the 25-year-old German's third win this season and he delivered it in a time of one hour, 32 minutes and 9.143 seconds.

Sebastian Vettel led from start to finish to claim his and Red Bull's maiden Canadian Grand Prix win in Montreal on Sunday. Ferrari's Fernando Alonso came in a distant second, with Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes taking third. Vettel's third success of the season after wins in Malaysia and Bahrain extended his lead at the top of the drivers' standings. He is now on 132 points, 36 clear of Alonso on 96 points. nr/bc

World championship leader Sebastian Vettel and home favourite Fernando Alonso both played down the significance of their performances on Friday after they had dominated proceedings on the opening day of practice for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. The 31-year-old Spaniard, who was fastest for Ferrari in the morning and then narrowly second quickest behind the triple world champion's Red Bull in the afternoon, said he remained optimistic of realising his dream, but conceded it would be difficult.

By Alan Baldwin MANAMA (Reuters) - World champion Sebastian Vettel won a Formula One race on Sunday without anyone kicking up a storm about it, at least inside the confines of the circuit. The last time the Red Bull driver had stood on the top step of the podium was in Malaysia last month, with grim-faced Australian team mate Mark Webber and unhappy Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton alongside.