Lewis Hamilton beats teammate Nico Rosberg to win Japanese GP, widen lead in standings
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany, left, leads Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain at Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, central Japan, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014.(AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama) (The Associated Press)
Lewis Hamilton won a rain-shortened Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, claiming his third straight Formula One win and widening his lead over teammate Nico Rosberg in the race for the drivers' championship.
With Hamilton leading Rosberg, a red flag came out on the 47th of 53 laps due to heavy rain. Race officials elected not to re-start the race and Hamilton was declared the winner. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel finished third.
Hamilton now leads Rosberg by 10 points with four races remaining.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The rain also played havoc early in the race, with first nine laps run behind the safety car. After things settled down and the race begun, Hamilton did everything possible to gain on his teammate, who started from pole.