Michael Schumacher led from start to finish to open his campaign for a seventh Formula One world title with a commanding victory at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday.
The most successful driver in the history of the sport secured the 71st victory of his career by 13.6seconds from Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello.
Spain's Fernando Alonso, in the Renault, finished third, with Ralf Schumacher fourth, his Williams team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya fifth and Britain's Jenson Button sixth.
Jarno Trulli in the other Renault was seventh with David Coulthard eighth for McLaren. Kimi Raikkonen in the other McLaren retired early with an engine problem.
Schumacher said: "It was tough in the first half of the race because, before he had some problems, Rubens was pushing me very, very hard and it was a close fight. I couldn't afford any mistakes and it was very exciting.
"But we knew the cars were going well all weekend and the good thing for me is that I go home with two more points after this race than I had after the first three races last year.
"I don't think it is hard from my point of view to be motivated. I'm in the best team, I just love the sport and I just love fighting on the circuit."
Spain's Fernando Alonso, who clinched third for Renault after making a stunning start, finished some 34.6 seconds behind Schumacher and 21 seconds behind Barrichello.
While the Ferrari pair marched inexorably to first and second, attention turned further down the field to the battle for places and points.
Alonso leaped from fifth on the grid to third, forcing Williams' Juan Pablo Montoya down the field.
The Colombian hit back strongly, hauling in Jarno Trulli and then Britain's Jenson Button, but he could not quite catch team-mate Ralf Schumacher and finished the race in fifth.
Button, racing in the BAR test car after damaging the chassis of his own in the last free practice session yesterday, finished sixth with Trulli seventh.