Bahrain Grand Prix 2009 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Jenson Button responded to Red Bull's challenge with a commanding victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix, reclaiming the momentum in the championship battle with a controlled drive from fourth on the grid. The British driver's third win in four races demonstrated his championship credentials, as he hunted down and passed the early leaders to secure a crucial victory at the Sakhir circuit, extending his points lead while Sebastian Vettel's second place confirmed the season had become a two-team battle.

Starting from fourth after Jarno Trulli claimed a brilliant pole position for Toyota, Button made an aggressive start and quickly worked his way forward. The Brawn driver showed excellent racecraft, picking off rivals one by one before emerging in the lead through superior strategy and pace management. Button's tire management in the baking desert heat proved exceptional, allowing him to control the race in the closing stages and pull away from the chasing pack. His victory was a statement that despite Red Bull's Chinese GP dominance, Brawn remained the team to beat.

Vettel drove a strong race to finish second, limiting the championship damage and keeping Red Bull in contention as their RB5 continued its development trajectory. Trulli secured third place for Toyota after his stunning qualifying performance, giving the Japanese manufacturer another podium despite their double-diffuser advantage gradually being eroded by rivals' upgrades. Lewis Hamilton finished a frustrated fourth for McLaren, unable to challenge for victory in an uncompetitive MP4-24. The race highlighted the technical battle unfolding - teams with early double-diffusers were being caught, while those like Red Bull who had rapidly developed their own versions were making significant gains. Button's win gave him 31 points from four races, a commanding advantage that provided crucial breathing room as the championship battle intensified heading into the European season.