Tendulkar waves chequered flag as Vettel emerges champion

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, a self-confessed Formula One fan, waved the chequered flag at the end of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, which newly-crowned world champion Sebastian Vettel won at the Buddh International Circuit on Sunday.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, a self-confessed Formula One fan, waved the chequered flag at the end of the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, which newly-crowned world champion Sebastian Vettel won at the Buddh International Circuit on Sunday.

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Tendulkar, who witnessed the race along with wife Anjali and daughter Sara, did the honours at the end of the race.

Starting from the pole position, Red Bull's Vettel dominated the proceedings and scorched his way to victory with a timing of 1.27:249.

McLaren Mercedes' Jenson Button (1.27:967s) came second while Ferrari's Fernando Alonso (1.28:298) completed the podium standings.

Tendulkar's longtime friend and seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, with whom the Indian bastman met before the start of the race, finished fifth.

Force India's Adrian Sutil managed to secure points, finishing ninth after starting from the eighth position on the grid, while his teammate Paul di Resta was 13th.

The lone Indian driver in the fray, Narain Karthikeyan of Hispania finished 17th after starting from the rear of the grid.