Australian Mark Webber was denied a likely podium place as Renault star Fernando Alonso cruised to victory in the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix.

It was Renault's second straight victory, with the Spaniard taking the flag ahead of Toyota's Jarno Trulli and Webber's teammate at Williams, Nick Heidfeld.

Webber, who qualified in fourth place, tangled with Renault's Australian Grand Prix winner Giancarlo Fisichella 18 laps from the finish.

He made an overtaking move on the third-placed Italian on the outside of a right hand turn but Fisichella drifted wide taking both cars out.

"After the first pit stop I started to get Fisi - he was holding me up quite a lot as his tyres were finished," Webber said.

"I had Ralf (Schumacher) behind me and I had to nibble away at Fisi as I knew Ralf was right there and ready to pounce at any moment.

"Fisi's tyres were getting worse and worse and I went to pass him at Turn 14.

"He came back down the inside of me at 15 but he was really on the dirty stuff.

"I was happy for him to go down the inside because I knew it would be difficult for him to stop.

"I went for the clear stuff - i.e. the racing line before braking and I didn't think Fisi could stop.

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