On the Button! Joy for Jenson in dream podium start for McLaren in Melbourne

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UPDATED:

07:54 GMT, 18 March 2012

Jenson Button celebrated a dream start to the 2012 Formula One season as team-mate Lewis Hamilton joined him on the podium after finishing a third behind world champion Sebastien Vettel in a thrilling first race Down Under.

Button, who won the Australian Grand Prix en route to his first world championship in 2009, was in control from the start after he pipped pole driver Hamilton on the first corner at the Albert Park circuit.

Hamilton then lost further ground as he slipped behind Red Bull driver Vettel with Australian home favourite Webber hot on his heels in fourth.

Despite his best late efforts, the 2008 world champion Hamilton failed to overtake the German but was able to hold off Webber to secure British podium finish to help McLaren kick-start the season in style in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, fellow Briton Paul Di Resta came home in tenth position.

More to follow…

Australian Grand Prix 2012 – How the race unfolded in Melbourne

Early charge: Jenson Button leads at turn one after pipping team-mate Lewis Hamilton at the off

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Leading the way: Button was supreme in Melbourne, controlling the race from the start ahead of team-mate Hamilton

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Making ground: World champion Sebastien Vettel managed to climb the grid after beginning in sixth

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Caught up: Williams driver Bruno Senna – nephew legend Ayrton – was involved in a big collision but managed to stay on track

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In a spin: Senna glides across the track to cause turmoil

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Make a move: German Vettel overtakes compatriot Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher as he runs onto the grass

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Over and out: Schumacher spins on the grass before being forced to retire after a promising start

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Middle men: Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso was engaged in a battle with Red Bull's home favourite Mark Webber throughout

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Safety first: Button was forced to tail the safety car, which was deployed after Vitaly Petrov spun out

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Fine comeback: Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen finished in seventh for Lotus on his F1 return

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Here come the girls: Nicole Scherzinger, Lewis Hamilton's girlfriend, and Jessica Michibata, Jenson Button's partner, arrive at Albert Park

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Star presence: Hollywood actor Aaron Eckhart and model Kate Peck were among the celebrities in Melbourne

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Ready for take off: A group of girl fans pose ahead of the maiden race of the season