What a result for Ferrari who have stamped their mark on the season from the off. A disappointing day for Vettel who looked in charge until his engine lost power, but solid performances from the Mclarens and the Mercedes. At the other end of the field, Lotus must be delighted that both cars finished, but clearly a lot of work needed at the Virgin and HRT teams.

Alonso waves to the crowd after a very comfortable win in the end. The three drivers are on the podium for the national anthems and will be spraying the rosewater any second now … no champagne here, don't forget.

That's it from ESPNF1 as far as the Bahrain Grand Prix is concerned. We hope you have enjoyed our coverage and join us again in 12 days time when we are in Australia for the second race of the season.

Lap 49

Alonso starts the final lap. Massa now 14.3 seconds off but is looking after his engine. Hamilton still third 8.0 seconds back.

Vettel looks set to keep Rosberg behind him.

And Alonso wins his first race for Ferrari, a very impressive result. Massa makes it a one-two for the Italian team and Hamilton takes a comfortable third.

Vettel hold fourth ahead of Rosberg, Schumacher, Button, Webber, Liuzzi and Barrichello.

Vettel pulls over once he crosses the line, there is no point in putting any extra strain on that Renault engine.

Lap 48

Alonso starts the penultimate lap - the win is almost certainly his.

Vettel still holding off Rosberg.

Buemi is out with what looks like mechanical failure.

Lap 47

The gap is now just a second between Vettel and Rosberg, will Vettel put up a fight?

Lap 46

Alonso clocks a fastest lap - 1:58.287. Massa is struggling with the Ferrari, possibly a lose barge board - it's hard to see.

Jarno Trulli stays out in the Lotus after a 2:17 lap. He is two laps off the pace 17th and last place - but he's still running. "Waiting and sweating in garage," admits Lotus Rosberg just 2.3 seconds off Vettel now for fourth. Three laps remaining - it's going to be close - remember Rosberg is dealing with the turbulent air of that Red Bull on worn tyres.

Lap 45

Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley takes a very close look at Massa's car as it goes past. Meanwhile Alonso is 9.1 seconds ahead.