Spanish Grand Prix 2011 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Sebastian Vettel produced a masterclass in racecraft to win the Spanish Grand Prix from fourth on the grid, overtaking both McLarens and his pole-sitting teammate Mark Webber to claim a brilliant victory at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The German driver's aggressive start and superior tire management proved decisive in a thrilling race that showcased Vettel's championship-winning qualities and extended his dominance of the 2011 season.

Webber claimed his second pole position of the season with a lap of 1:20.981, finally out-qualifying his teammate in what seemed like a golden opportunity to claim victory. However, Vettel had other ideas. Starting from fourth behind Webber and the McLaren duo of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, Vettel made an aggressive start and immediately began his charge through the field. Using superior tire management and brilliant racecraft, he picked off his rivals one by one, eventually taking the lead and controlling the race to the checkered flag. Hamilton set the fastest lap but couldn't match Vettel's race pace, while Button drove solidly in third.

The McLaren duo's podium finish suggested the MP4-26 had the pace to compete with Red Bull at certain circuits, with both British drivers demonstrating strong race pace on the demanding Barcelona layout. However, Vettel's ability to win from fourth on the grid - a rarity in modern Formula 1 - demonstrated his exceptional racecraft and the RB7's versatility. Webber's pole position ultimately counted for nothing as he faded to fourth, continuing his frustration at playing second fiddle to his younger teammate. Fernando Alonso finished fifth for Ferrari in front of his home crowd, unable to challenge the top teams despite the Scuderia's continued development progress. Vettel's fifth victory in the opening five races stamped his authority on the championship and suggested the title race might already be over despite being less than one-third through the season.