 AUSTRALIA'S Mark Webber has won the Silverstone Grand Prix, three seconds ahead of Spain's Fernando Alonso and leaving his Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel in third place.
Alonso (Ferrari) continues at the top of the leader board with 129 points, making him first in the running for world champion and 13 points ahead of Webber (pictured), his nearest rival.
Germany's Sebastian Vettel, who was unstoppable last year, appears to be losing ground whilst Alonso is making up for a poor season in 2011 when he was troubled with technical problems – his historic win on home territory two weeks ago at the European Grand Prix in Valencia left spectators and fans open-mouthed.
The Asturias-born racing driver obtained a disappointing 11th place in the qualifier, but went on to win the following day in what was probably the best race of his life.
At today's British Grand Prix, Alonso's team-mate, Brazil's Felipe Massa came fourth, ahead of Lotus drivers Finland's Kimi Raikkonen and France's Romain Grosjean, with German F1 veteran Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) in seventh position.
Hopes of winning on home turf were dashed for McLaren's two UK drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, who came eighth and 10th respectively, with Brazil's Bruno Senna (Williams) in between them.
All drivers today wore a symbolic star on their helmets as a tribute to brave test-driver María de Villota, who was rushed to Addenbrooke's Hospital this week after a devastating crash at Silverstone – her first-ever trial with team Marussia and only the second in her F1 career.
Daughter of famous Spanish racing driver Emilio Villota, 32-year-old María sustained serious head and facial injuries and has undergone two very long and delicate operations.
Although surgeons managed to save her life, they were unable to stop the Madrid-born driver from losing her right eye.
She has now been moved to a ward after three days in intensive care, and is no longer sedated.
Sister Isabel told reporters today that María was starting to regain consciousness, although it is not known at this stage what lasting damage, if any, her head injuries may have left.
The family say they are eternally grateful to the Marussia team members for their support, to Addenbrooke's staff for their excellent care and to the many F1 drivers and employees for their encouraging messages.
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