(CNN) -- Spain's Fernando Alonso led from start to finish to win a grueling Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday to boost his hopes of a third world title.
In a masterful display of composure and driving skill, the Ferrari ace held off a charging Sebastian Vettel in his Red Bull to take his 25th grand prix win and fourth of the season.
Vettel's teammate and championship leader Mark Webber finished third after surviving a collision with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, which saw the Briton fail to finish for the second straight race.
Webber heads the standings with 202 points ahead of the rapidly-improving Alonso on 191 and Hamilton on 182.
Vettel is a point further adrift with reigning champion Jenson Button, who finished fourth in Singapore, on 177.
Alonso started from pole position and took charge from the first corner, shrugging off the introduction of two safety cars after incidents on the tight Marina Bay street circuit.
Vettel's main chance came when the leaders pitted at the same time for a tire change, but Alonso stayed ahead.
The safety car came out for the second time when Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi and Hispania's Bruno Senna hit the wall to end their races.
CNN
