Spain’s Fernando Alonso wins British Grand Prix

Today's British Grand Prix was never really expected to be won by an Englishman – neither Lewis Hamilton nor Jenson Button were in the running after Saturday's qualifying - but the winner was expected to be a German, not a Spaniard.

In the event, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso stormed to victory at Silverstone this afternoon in one of the most exciting Grand Prix races of this season after taking advantage of a rare pit-stop problem for the Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel.

The German admitted afterwards that Ferrari had deserved their victory: "I think you have to accept fair and square Ferrari beat us today.

"There has been a bit of a trend over the last couple of races, they have been very strong on race days, so it shows us we need to keep pushing and improving the car."

Alonso was given his trophy by Prince Harry, who had said before the race: "I'll be cheering on Jenson and Lewis, big time. Obviously weather is playing a big part, as it always does at Silverstone. I'm hoping for rain, just because I think it will be better for McLaren, but we will have to wait and see."

The royal command was not heeded, however, with some parts of the circuit staying dry throughout the afternoon.

Alonso movies up to third place in the drivers' championship, 92 points behind Vettel who has been having an unbelievable season.

Vettel and Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber were second and third. Lewis Hamilton came fourth which means he and Button are tied, three points behind the Spaniard. ·