In Pictures: Canadian Grand Prix

epa03738003 German Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel (L) of Red Bull Racing leads the pack at the start of the 2013 Canada Formula One Grand Prix at Gille Villeneuve circuit in Montreal, Canada, 09 June 2013. EPA/CJ GUNTHER *** Local Caption *** 03738003.jpg

Fernando Alonso, though, had plenty of support in Montreal even as the Ferrari driver had started in sixth position. Andre Pichette / EPA

Lewis Hamilton, who won here last year, was always going to find it a challenge to go past Vettel despite the Mercedes driver starting in second position yesterday. Andre Pichette / EPA

Vettel was clearly on a mission as he kept his lead intact for most part of the race. Rogerio Barbosa / AFP

With the German world champion in the lead, the battle was for the places after as drivers competed at the hairpin corner during the first laps of the Canadian Grand Prix. Rogerio Barbosa / AFP

Alonso, though, was in excellent form on the track, passing others cars in quick succession. Emmanuel Dunand / AFP

Vettel, a three-time world champion, knew he had to be cautious in a race notorious for its share of accidents. Ryan Remiorz / AP Photo

The German, however, was benefiting from having a superior car. Ryan Remiorz / AP Photo

Alonso, meanwhile, kept pushing the limit to catch up with the cars ahead of him. The Spaniard eventually went past Lewis Hamilton to finish second in the race. Christinne Muschi / Reuters

Felipe Massa, who endured a frustrating race in Canada, managed to finish in the points, in his Ferrari. Christinne Muschi / Reuters

Vettel eventually won the Canadian Grand Prix, his first in North America. Needless to say, the 25 year old was ecstatic as he leads Alonso by 36 points in the world championship. Stan Honda / AFP