Lewis Hamilton rocked Silverstone to its roots and sent 90,000 fans into a frenzy with a glorious British Grand Prix victory.

The McLaren star, who had failed to score a point in his last two races, had his legion of supporters singing in the rain at the end of a chaos-strewn event as wet weather sent his rivals into a spin.

Hamilton finished an astonishing 68.5 seconds clear of BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld come the conclusion of the 60-lap encounter, with a remarkable Rubens Barrichello third in his Brackley-built Honda, on the podium for the first time in three years.

The 23-year-old is now level on points with Felipe Massa, who could only manage 13th, and reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen, who was fourth in his Ferrari. Brits Jenson Button and David Coulthard both span out.

Hamilton joins a list of illustrious British names to win his home race, including Sterling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Coulthard, who was the last to triumph in 2000.

Coulthard's final British race was one to forget after a dramatic start saw Hamilton brush tyres with Kovalainen.

The Scot, who announced on Thursday he is to retire at the end of the season, attempted to pass the Toro Rosso of Sebastian Vettel on lap one, only to clip the German, sending them into the gravel where they remained beached.

"I'm truly disappointed," said Coulthard. "I'm sorry for the team. I went for a gap and didn't make the move, coming together with Sebastian, so taking out two Red Bulls.

"In a race like that you have to take your opportunities when they come, but unfortunately it was a bad decision."