Hamilton wins in Belgium

Spa, August 27: Lewis Hamilton celebrated his 200th Formula One race on Sunday with a pole-to-flag Belgian Grand Prix victory for Mercedes that halved Sebastian Vettel's championship lead to seven points.

The Briton's fifth success in 12 races came a day after he equalled Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 68 pole positions.

Vettel finished second for Ferrari, 2.3 seconds behind, after making a strong start and tailing the triple world champion all afternoon without being able to get close enough to make a move stick.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo took third place for Red Bull after a storming re-start following a late safety car period that had closed the gap to the frontrunners.

With eight races remaining, four-times champion Vettel has 220 points and Hamilton 213.

It was the three-time world champion's third Belgian victory and the 58th of his career, lifting him back into serious contention for the title.

Another victory in next Sunday's Italian Grand Prix could give him the lead for the first time this year.

Finn Kimi Raikkonen in the second Ferrari finished fourth ahead of his compatriot Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes.

Nico Hulkenberg finished sixth for Renault ahead of Romain Grosjean of Haas, Felipe Massa of Williams, Esteban Ocon of Force India with in 10th place, Carlos Sainz of Toro Rosso.