Oxford-based driver Fernando Alonso claimed his Australian Grand Prix win was never in doubt after a dominant display in a "crazy" race at Melbourne.

The world champion, driving an Enstone-based Renault, led comfortably after diving past Jenson Button early in the race and breezed to a victory which extends his championship lead to 14 points.

Button held high hopes of breaking his duck at Albert Park, but his Honda never looked a threat, and to compound his misery its engine exploded on the final corner.

The race was interrupted by four safety car periods as a result of several accidents, but Alonso was imperious at the front.

He said: "The race was a bit crazy. Some moments I didn't understand I was 20 seconds ahead and then the gap disappeared after three or four safety cars in ten laps.

"The car was perfect and there was no risk to lose the race at any time."

Alonso had the race in the bag once he muscled past Button at turn one after the first safety car.

The Spaniard praised his rival for a fair fight, even though the move ended Button's hopes of a maiden win.

"I locked the tyres and nearly hit him in the first corner," added Alonso.

"But we fought close at turn three and like always when I fight with Jenson we had no problems at all we fight clean. After that it was easy for me."

Button had plenty of practice at being overtaken, especially after safety car periods.

The 26-year-old suffered a problem warming his tyres and he slid down the order before a fiery exit just yards from the chequered flag.

McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen was among those to pass the Englishman on his way to second place, while Ralf Schumacher gave Toyota a surprise return to the podium with third.

Result (top six):1 F Alonso (Renault) 1hr 34mins 27.870secs, 2 K Raikkonen (McLaren-Mercedes) +1.829secs, 3 R Schumacher (Toyota) +24.824, 4 N Heidfeld (BMW Sauber) +31.032, 5 G Fisichella (Renault) +38.421, 6 J Villeneuve (BMW Sauber) +49.554.

Drivers' standings (top six): 1 F Alonso 28pts, 2 G Fisichella 14, 3 K Raikkonen 14, 4 M Schumacher (Ferrari) 11, 5 J Button (Honda) 11, 6 J P Montoya (McLaren-Mercedes) 9.

Constructors' standings (top six): 1 Renault 42, 2 McLaren-Mercedes 23, 3 Ferrari 15, 4 Honda 13, 5 BMW Sauber 10, 6 Toyota 7.