Hamilton wins German Grand Prix

Briton Lewis Hamilton opened up a clear lead in this year's Formula One drivers' world championship last night by winning a thrilling German Grand Prix for McLaren Mercedes-Benz.

It was the 23-year-old Englishman's second win in succession — the first driver to do so this year — and his fourth this season and eighth of his career, a feat that hauled him clear of all rivals and gave McLaren its first win here in 10 years.

Hamilton finished first after being forced to dominate the race and then, after two safety car interventions, regain the lead thanks to the cautious strategy of the McLaren team.

He drove brilliantly, passing both Brazilian Felipe Massa of Ferrari and then Massa's compatriot, Nelson Piquet of Renault, with bold moves in the final laps.

Hamilton finished 5.5 seconds ahead of Piquet, who claimed the first podium of his career. Massa was third.

Hamilton leads the standings by four points from Massa, whose Ferrari team-mate, defending champion Kimi Raikkonen, is seven points adrift after finishing a disappointing sixth.

Hamilton had dominated the first half of the race after powering away from the ninth pole position of his career.

The Geneva-based driver had built-up a lead of about 12 seconds by lap 36 when Timo Glock crashed out in his Toyota. Glock lost control of his car at the last corner when the right rear tyre suddenly deflated, sending him spearing into a wall.

The German, 26, slid backwards down the home straight before his wrecked car finally came to a stop. Glock was clearly dazed after he got out of the car and was later taken to the medical centre.

Hamilton was kept out on the track as all his main rivals made their final pit-stops under the safety car.

He dropped to fifth when he was forced to make his final pit-stop, but soon passed team-mate Heikki Kovalainen for third spot.

Hamilton then hunted down Massa, overtaking his rival on lap 57.

Australian Mark Webber failed to finish after crashing out on the 41st lap.