Rosberg Takes Top Spot of F1 In Melbourne

Mercedes Nico Rosberg won the opening race of the Formula One season in Melbourne. It was a spectacle full of surprises, as pole sitter Lewis Hamilton and world champion Sebstien Vettel both left the race early with mechanical problems.

Always so much anticipation at the birth of a new campaign, and as usual thrills and spills right from the green light. Caterham's Kamui Kobayashi left the race in the first lap, after a collision with Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton had been the pre-race favourite, but a problem with his steering wheel ended the chances of the man who had been on the front of the grid after just four laps, and Vettel only lasted a couple of minutes longer.

Red Bull were so strong last year, but they are struggling it seems with the new hybrid engine.

But Mercedes were celebrating. Rosberg was the winner, comfortably ahead of Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo.

Indications then in the first race, that Mercedes are team to beat this season. Perhaps Rosberg will be the man to beat.

So here are the final placings.

A fantastic debut from Kevin Magnusson in the McLaren, he came in third behind Ricciardo.

Magnusson was followed by teammate Jenson Button.

Ferrari didn't fare too badly on the first day either, with Alonso in fifth, and new partner Kimi Raikkonen eighth.