MELBOURNE – Nico Rosberg has won a dramatic Australian
Grand Prix for Mercedes after Ferrari’s challenge was squandered by a bungled
tyre strategy and Fernando Alonso walked away from a spectacular crash that
reduced his McLaren to a mangled wreck.

Rosberg’s 14th career victory was also his fourth in
succession after the German won the final three races of last season.

His team mate and pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton finished
second, some eight seconds behind after recovering from a chaotic start that
pushed the defending world champion back to sixth at the first turn.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel led for much of the race but
his advantage was eroded by poor tyre management, especially after Alonso’s
crash brought out a red flag, as his compatriot Rosberg coasted home.

“Yeah! awesome, guys, awesome. Great start to the
season,” Rosberg yelled down the team radio.

New team Haas celebrated points on debut, with Frenchman
Romain Grosjean finishing sixth behind Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo and Williams
driver Felipe Massa. – Reuters