Fernando Alonso of Ferrari has won the inaugural Formula 1 Korean Grand Prix in Yeongam County, South Jeolla Province, despite a rain delay and chaotic conditions on the track.

The Spainard won with a time of 2 hours, 48 minutes, 20.81 seconds. Coming in second was Lewis Hamilton of Vodafone McLaren and Felipe Massa of Ferrari came in third. Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher came in fourth for Mercedes GP.

Alonso is a two-time F1 world champion and his victory Sunday propelled him to the top of this year's FIA World Drivers’ Championship leaderboard with two races to go.

Pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull seemed to be on course to win the race and take the lead in the standings from teammate Mark Webber, but Vettel's engine gave out on lap 46. Webber crashed out of the race on lap 19.

Rain forced the temporary suspension of the race after four laps due to dangerous driving conditions. Water on the track and spray impaired visibility but the race was resumed again behind the safety car.

More safety car periods appeared after a series of crashes, leading to fears that lack of time or darkness would prevent the race from going the full distance. The full 55 laps were completed, however.