The best pictures from the Japanese grand prix

Lewis Hamilton leads the pack into the first corner Photograph: Kerim Okten/EPA

Lewis Hamilton goes into a spin after tussling with Felipe Massa Photograph: Toru Hanai/Reuters

A McLaren pit crew member can't watch the race Photograph: Pool/Reuters

The Ferrari pit crew work on Felipe Massa's car during a stop Photograph: Pool/Reuters

Ferrari mechanics carry the fuel tube back after Felipe Massa's pit stop Photograph: STR/EPA

Sebastien Bourdais speeds down the straight on the way to a sixth place finish. He was later relegated to 10th after a 25-second penalty Photograph: Toru Yamanaka/AFP

David Coulthard exits his car after crashing out early in the race Photograph: Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters

Robert Kubica of BMW Sauber makes a pitstop Photograph: Kerim Okten/EPA

Jenson Button's Honda races on the way to a 14h place finish Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty

Fernando Alonso crosses the finish line to win Photograph: Luca Bruno/AP

Fernando Alonso and third-placed Kimi Raikkonen spray champagne on the podium Photograph: Jens Buettner/EPA