Nico Rosberg in a Mercedes won the German Grand Prix before home fans on Sunday while team mate Lewis Hamilton charged from 20th on the grid to clinch a brilliant podium place.
It was Germany-born Rosberg’s fourth win of the season and his first at a home race to extend his lead in the Formula One drivers’ standings to 14 points over Hamilton.
Valtteri Bottas in a Williams captured second place after starting second on the grid, with the Finn holding off a late challenge by Hamilton, who had to nurse a heavily grained left front tyre.
Hamilton’s charge from 20th on the grid was a highlight of the race and a superb damage limitation exercise following a crash in qualifying and a five-point grid penalty imposed for a gear box change.
Rosberg was in command from pole position, but it was action packed further down the field in a race which began with a first lap collision between McLaren’s Kevin Magnusson and Felipe Massa in a Williams.
Massa’s car span and flipped over but the Brazilian emerged unharmed.
“I am okay. The accident was a little bit more scary watching than being inside. I just saw everything the other way around, but I am fine,” said Massa who had started third on the grid, a place ahead of Magnusson. “I am so disappointed at what happened. It’s another race and another car that has pushed me out and finished my race. With a car that is very competitive and fast that’s so disappointing.”
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in a Red Bull was fourth, ahead of Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, Nico Huelkenberg in a Force India, McLaren duo Jenson Button and Magnussen, and Sergio Perez in a Force India.
