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Summary Ferrari's Fernando Alonso won the rain-interrupted Malaysian Grand Prix in thrilling style.
Alonso survived a lengthy rain suspension, a rash of spins and mishaps and a strong challenge from Saubers Sergio Perez to finish the years second race ahead of the Mexican driver, with McLarens Lewis Hamilton third.Spains Alonso, a two-time world champion, was nobodys pre-race favourite in the clunky F2012, but he emerged from the chaos caused by torrential rains at the head of the pack and doggedly clung on for victory.Its an unbelievable result and a great job from the team, Alonso said. We maximised the potential we had in our hands. Its a tough time for us at the moment but we will remember this Sunday.Perez pushed hard for his first win and looked set to steal victory from Alonso until he dramatically overshot a turn on lap 50.But he still managed seal his maiden trip to the podium -- and Saubers best result since they reverted to the ownership of their founder, Peter Sauber, in 2009.I wanted the win and I thought it was possible, smiled the Mexican, who is rumoured to be in Ferraris sights to replace the struggling Felipe Massa. It never happened but Im very happy and proud with this second place.Red Bulls Mark Webber was fourth with former world champion Kimi Raikkonen fifth for Lotus. German great Michael Schumacher, who started third on the grid, span early in the race and finished 10th.But there were no points for McLarens Jenson Button, who won last weeks season-opener in Australia, after he collided with Indias Narain Karthikeyan and dropped to the back of the pack, finally coming in 14th.Red Bulls reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel also endured a torrid day as a spectacular rear tyre blow-out left him in 11th.After days of mostly dry weather, black clouds rolled over Sepang and the rain fell, right on cue, as the Malaysian anthem was played.Pole-sitter Hamilton, who was passed by Button at the front of the grid in Melbourne last week, survived a furious challenge from his team-mate at the start and he emerged from the first corner with his lead intact.
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