2012 Chinese Grand Prix

Nico Rosberg has won his first Formula One race in the Chinese Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver finished the race 20 seconds ahead of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

2012 Chinese Grand Prix in pictures

Speaking after the race, he said: “This is a very special moment for me. The whole weekend went perfectly. My first pole position, now my first win in Formula One - it really is fantastic. But it´s not only this; it´s the first win for the new Silver Arrow and for this great team. That is really special for me. Thanks to everybody in the team, here in China and in our factories in Brackley and Brixworth. It makes me very proud that we have improved the car so quickly.

“I will never forget this race, and the last 20 laps felt as long as if I was racing in the Le Mans 24 Hours! But then crossing the line was so intense. We will enjoy this success, but our feet are still on the ground.

“We are still not where we want to be, we are still working hard to understand the car and the tyres in all conditions, and we will keep pushing to improve our race pace even further. We will see how that works out in Bahrain.”

Michael Schumacher was the first and only driver to retire from the race, after qualifying second and a very strong start. His front right wheel wasn't fitted properly during his first pit stop, and he was forced to stop.  The team was fined 5,000 Euros for his unsafe release.

This result means that Lewis Hamilton leads the drivers' championship with 45 points, ahead of Button and Alonso with 43 and 37 points respectively.

McLaren leads the constructors' championship, 24 points ahead of Red Bull.

2012 Chinese Grand Prix results

What did you think of the Chinese Grand Prix? Do you agree with the result? Who was your driver of the day? Share your thoughts in the comments below…