Vettel wins the Japanese Grand Prix

SUZUKA, Japan, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Pole winner Sebastian Vettel was dominant Sunday in winning the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Racing Circuit in Suzuka City.

By beating Toyota's Jarno Trulli to the finish by nearly five seconds, the 22-year-old German closed within 16 points of F1 standings leader Jenson Button, keeping his title hopes alive with two races left in the 2009 season.

"Woo-hoo," Vettel said to his crew on his radio after winning for the third time in 2009 and fourth time in his F1 career. "It's our race."

Later, at a post-race news conference, he admitted being excited about the season's final two races.

"I am looking quite confidently towards Brazil and Abu Dhabi," he said.

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren Mercedes), the 2008 world champion, finished third.

Button (Brawn GP Mercedes) was eighth, but his 85 points lead teammate Rubens Barichello by 14.