Formula One: Vettel wins in Japan, world title on hold

SUZUKA, Japan - Sebastian Vettel won the Japanese Grand Prix Sunday but missed out on sealing his fourth successive world title as his nearest rival, Fernando Alonso, stayed just in touch by placing fourth.

Vettel, third from the first lap, drove a superb race to reel in his Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber and Lotus's Romain Grosjean, who were second and third, for his fifth straight victory.

But Ferrari's Alonso kept the championship alive when he finished fourth to remain 80 points back from Vettel with 100 points available from the last four races.

Kimi Raikkonen and Nico Hulkenberg were fifth and sixth but the championship challenge of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton ended when he retired early after a puncture at the start.