The European Grand Prix - in pictures

Sebastian Vettel looks pensive before the start of the European Grand Prix – though if last year's race is indicative of his dominance on this circuit, he should have few concerns. The German led from start to finish 12 months ago. And guess what, he's starting from pole again today Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Vettel's start isn't the most commanding, while Felipe Massa (left) sniffs a chance to surge up the inside of both Red Bulls Photograph: Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA

Massa fails to make the move stick and Vettel escapes with Mark Webber second and Fernando Alonso third. Lewis Hamilton has dropped a place on the first corner, as has his McLaren team-mate Jenson Button Photograph: Alberto Saiz/AP

Vettel extends his lead over the chasing pack, rendering the DRS overtaking system useless to Webber, his nearest opponent Photograph: Valdrin Xhemaj/EPA

Webber himself is being closely followed by Alonso, who finds a way past on turn 12 of lap 21 Photograph: Crispin Thruston/Action Images

But the McLarens are really struggling. Button is being held up by Nico Rosberg and Hamilton's tyres are degrading so fast his mechanics call him on the radio and tell him to slow down. Hamilton's riposte is somewhat curt: "I can't go any slower!" he tells them Photograph: Crispin Thruston/Action Images

Alonso comes into the pits for a routine stop. That was quicker than Massa's, when the Brazilian was held up as the mechanics struggled to remove a wheel Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Alonso's hopes of a win in his home GP are slipping away - Vettel is nowhere in sight Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

Vettel crosses the finish line for his sixth win in eight races this season - that was a faultless drive from start to finish Photograph: Jose Jordan/AFP/Getty Images

The German's was the first of 24 cars to reach the finish line - there wasn't a single retirement Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Vettel douses himself with champagne as he celebrates another runaway victory. His lead in the drivers' championship is now 77 points from Button and Webber Photograph: Srdjan Suki/EPA