Presse Sports-USA TODAY Sports

Lewis Hamilton finally won his first race of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday, not only getting a much-need victory as his teammate already has two this season, but also managed a record-equaling forth win at the circuit.

Lotus‘ Kimi Raikkonen came in second after a great display of defense, holding off a racy Sebastian Vettel in the closing stages of the race. Behind Vettel in forth was his Red Bull teammate Mark Webber.

I’m not a massive fan of Hamilton or Mercedes, but I’m glad someone has finally shown some pace and ability in challenging Vettel. The world championship was starting to look a foregone conclusion going into the summer break, but thanks to Lotus’ turn of speed, Fernando Alonso managing to limit his loses and Hamilton taking the win, the championship is far from over.

Raikkonen’s teammate Romain Grosjean started from third and finished sixth due to a couple of racing incidents, although the second one including Ferrari‘s Felipe Massa earned him a ‘drive-through’.

The start was very eventful, so much so it was hard to keep track of what was going on. Grosjean tried to pass inside Vettel before the first turn, but the German moved to the right to protect himself. Nico Rosberg went wide on turn five and onto the grass, kicking up dust from his Mercedes when he rejoined the track and then nudged into Felipe Massa‘s Ferrari shortly after. This damaged the Brazilian’s front wing.

The closing laps saw a great battle between the Flying Finn and Vettel, but the Lotus driver wasn’t having any of it and he managed to maintain second place after Hamilton.

I’m happy the new Pirellis worked out, and I’m glad F1 has managed to add the extra element of excitement critics say the sport lacks. Thanks to a great race, there’s a greater expectation after the summer break.

Leader Vettel has 172 points, 38 clear of Raikkonen and 39 ahead of Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso. Hamilton has 124, some 48 points adrift of Vettel.

James Harris is a NASCAR writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him @garglinggas and “Like” him Facebook or add him to your network on Google+