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Formula 1: Nico Rosberg wins 2016 Bahrain GP

Nico Rosberg has won the 2016 Bahrain Grand Prix for Mercedes. Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen finished in second place, while Rosberg's team mate Lewis Hamilton stood third.

The drama began even before the race started, when Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari suffered an engine failure on the formation lap, forcing him to retire. Hamilton, who had qualified in pole position, made a poor start and Rosberg took the lead at the first corner. Valtteri Bottas, who made a very strong start from P6, collided with Hamilton's car at the first corner, causing the reigning champion car to fall down the order. Bottas received a drive through penalty for causing the collision.

Meanwhile, at the front, Rosberg pulled away from the pack. Kimi Raikkonen did not make a good start, but fought his way up the field over the laps to put his car in second position. Hamilton made progress as well and brought his significantly damaged car up to third position.

Daniel Ricciardo, who's Red Bull had suffered damage on the opening lap, finished fourth. Romain Grosjean put in another fine performance in his Haas to finish fifth.

Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso), Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull), Felipe Massa, Valtteri Bottas (Williams) and Stoffel Vandoorne (McLaren) rounded up the top ten.

McLaren's Fernando Alonso was prohibited from racing as he was declared unfit in medical tests. He was replaced by Vandoorne. Jenson Button, who was driving the other McLaren, retired from the race. The single point that Vandoorne has scored in this race is the only point that the team has scored so far this season.

After the Bahrain Grand Prix, Rosberg (50 points) leads the World Drivers' Championship ahead of Hamilton (33). Ricciardo (24) is in third place followed by Raikkonen and Grosjean (18 points each).

Mercedes leads the World Constructors' Championship with 83 points. Ferrari with 33 points is in second place, Red Bull (30) in third, Williams (20) in fourth and Haas (18) in fifth.

 
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