Hamilton Wins Japanese Grand Prix

Topics:  Lewis Hamilton, Japanese Grand Prix

VOA Sports
September 30, 2007

Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton has won the Japanese Grand Prix, moving closer to becoming the first rookie to win the season championship.

On a rain-soaked track Sunday, Hamilton's McLaren teammate and main rival, Fernando Alonso of Spain, crashed out on the 42nd lap of the 67-lap race.

In the point standings, Hamilton now leads second-place Alonso 107-95 with two races to go, and could clinch the title next week in Shanghai.

The 22-year-old British driver has now won four races this season.

He finished Sunday more than eight seconds ahead of Heikki Kovalainen of Renault, who was followed by Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari in third place.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.