Vettel thrilled to end unlucky run

Red Bull had been the pacesetter in both the opening races, with Vettel heading at Sakhir and in Melbourne only for a spark plug and wheel issue to deny him victories in both grands prix.

But he had a flawless run at Sepang today, leading team-mate Mark Webber home in a Red Bull one-two and vaulting straight up to a close third in the championship in the process.

"What a day," said Vettel. "Yesterday was extremely difficult. We had a magnificent car, and the key once again was to pace yourself, but Bridgestone did a good job bringing two compounds here that worked fairly well.

"At the end of the day a very good result for us and for myself after two races where I didn't finish where I wanted to be. It was crucial for the team not to panic and to stay relaxed. It is a long season but this is the best result we could get and on top of that Mark getting second place is a big plus for the team and a lot of points."

Vettel had qualified third, but immediately grabbed the lead into the first corner of the race.

"I realised straight away I had a good start," he said. "I passed Nico [Rosberg], was alongside and got the tow from Mark and was able to gain, gain, gain. It's a long sprint into Turn 1 so I had a clear advantage over him.

"I took the chance I had into Turn 1, it was quite late, and just made it. Mark had a bit of better exit out of Turn 2 and into Turn 3. It was a bit slippy, we both tried to push and each fighting among ourselves but we kept respect. If Mark was in my position he would have done the same."