Hamilton pips Alonso in German Gran Prix

Lewis Hamilton secured his second win of the year and the 16th of his career on Sunday after a superb performance that gave the English driver a narrow win over Spain's Fernando Alonso in the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim.

Hamilton took the lead immediately, holding his nerve through the 60 laps to see off repeated challenges from Alonso, who came in 3.9 seconds behind the 2008 champion.

Alonso, who won the British Grand Prix two weeks ago, finished a strong second ahead of third-placed Australian Mark Webber of Red Bull and his teammate and defending champion Sebastian Vettel, in fourth, after a brilliant final pit stop.

This was by far the poorest performance this year by Vettel, and his worst finish of a dominant season. Despite the setback, he still has a clear lead so far in the championship.

Hamilton, enjoying the revitalized pace in his car, opened up a 2.2 second lead by lap four, but Webber then responded and reduced it to seven-tenths by lap 11.

Alonso regained third on lap eight with a daring passing move on Vettel at turn one and the German then spun on lap 10, when he ran over white lines in the wet conditions, flatspotting his tires.

Hamilton and Webber then conducted a thrilling duel at the front with Alonso close behind with a box seat view, as the Australian took the lead when Hamilton ran deep at turn 15 before responding with a bold pass inside turn one on lap 13.

Alonso led for two laps before pitting, leaving Webber out in front on used soft tires as Hamilton and Alonso chased him down. Webber finally came in with three laps to go, leaving Hamilton ahead of Alonso as they ran towards the checkered flag.

Alonso stopped out on the track on the slow-down and had to hitch a lift, sitting on Webber's car, back to the pit lane as he ran out of fuel.

Vettel remains out in front of the title race by 77 points with 216, ahead of Webber on 139 and Hamilton, now third, on 134. Alonso is fourth on 130.