Rosberg wins in Germany for Mercedes

Monday, 21 July 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

HOCKENHEIM, Germany (Reuters): Germany’s Nico Rosberg capped a memorable eight days for himself and his country by winning his home grand prix for Mercedes on Sunday and stretching his overall lead in the Formula One championship to 14 points.

Following up Germany’s World Cup triumph in Brazil last weekend, his wedding in Monaco and the signing of a new contract with Mercedes, Rosberg led untroubled from pole position to chequered flag. Lewis Hamilton, his team mate and only real title rival, finished a fighting third after starting in 20th place and then charging through the field. Finland’s Valtteri Bottas took second place for Williams, his third podium finish in a row and a hefty 20.7 seconds behind Rosberg, after Brazilian team mate Felipe Massa crashed at the start in a collision that brought out the safety car.