Kobayashi wins Bahrain GP2

Kobayashi stormed from fourth to second at the start before putting pressure on race leader Nico Huelkenberg and overtaking him with a clever manoeuvre.

It was the Japanese driver's second victory of the season - and D'Ambrosio made it a one-two for Dams as he came in 5.8 seconds behind.

Huelkenberg had made a good start from pole in the GP2 Asia Series race but quickly came under pressure from Kobayashi.

Huelkenberg locked his wheels on several occasions as he sought to contain the Japanese, who moved past at the end of the straight line on lap 13.

Four laps later, the German was the first of the race leaders to make his mandatory pitstop, but he lost time due to a problem in changing his right rear tyre.

That allowed D'Ambrosio and Mortara of Arden to pass him for second and third.

Although Belgian D'Ambrosio struggled at the start of the race, he fought his way back from fourth, overtaking competitive Mortara before coming into the pits.

With the two Dams leading the race quite comfortably, the Italian had to keep an eye in his rear-view mirror as Huelkenberg tried to fight his way back on to the podium - but Mortara held on to secure his maiden rostrum spot.

1. Kamui Kobayashi (Dams)

2. Jerome d'Ambrosio (Dams) +5.892

3. Edoardo Mortara (Arden) +18.570

4. Nico Huelkenberg (ART) +19.436

5. Davide Valsecchi (Durango) +20.368

6. Roldan Rodriguez (Piquet GP) +24.076

7 Giedo van der Garde (iSport) +24.748

8. Sergio Perez (Barwa Campos) +27.462

9. Javier Villa (Super Nova Racing) +30.687

10. Vitaly Petrov (Barwa Campos) +36.702