Formula One / Maxliu / 19 April 2009 /

Flawless drive brings first race win for Red Bull but encouraging signs for McLaren mean Hamilton isn't out of it...

A superb drive at a rain-lashed Chinese Grand Prix from Sebastian Vettel gave Red Bull their first ever race victory.

Prior to the race, Betting.Betfair F1 correspondent David Croft, who was in Shanghai to commentate on the Grand Prix, predicted that the Red Bulls could challenge the Brawns' domination. And so it proved on a dream day for the British-based team with Vettel, who was backed at [28.0] on Betfair, followed by team-mate Mark Webber who finished in a career best second place.

Jenson Button, who was matched at a [1.84] low to win in Shanghai, earned a third successive podium finish in third place while Brawn GP colleague Rubens Barrichelo came fourth. It was an encouraging day for McLaren who showed signs that they are getting their act together as World Champion Lewis Hamilton ended the race in sixth.

Vettel started the race in pole position with the Brawns back in fourth and fifth on the grid. However, the soaking conditions and the presence of the safety car were initally fought to favour Button and Barrichelo. In the end though, they were unable to keep pace with Vettel and Webber who were consistent and composed over the 72 soaked laps.

After the third Grand Prix of the season, Jenson Button remains favourite to win the Drivers' Championship at [2.9] with today's race winner Vettel available at [4.0]. Lewis Hamilton can be backed at [8.0] while in the Constructors Championships Brawn-Mercededs are at [2.04] with Red Bull at 4.5 and McLaren [10.0]. Ferrari, who are still without a point, are available at [12.0].

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