Starting with bib number 6, the American raced down Kälberloch.
Due to weather conditions - mainly poor visibility - the race was shorter than planned. Nevertheless, Vonn was 0.37 seconds faster than second-place Norwegian Kajsa Vickhoff Lie, and 0.48 seconds ahead of third-place Jacqueline Wiles of the United States.
"I knew what it took to win today. It was a sprint and I had to give it my all and definitely take some risks," Vonn told the AP.
Draws admiration
Her podium finishes in the discipline this winter have been first, second, third and first - and Vonn consolidated her position as leader in the downhill cup with her victory in today's race in Austria.
With each victory, she also becomes the oldest winner in the World Cup's almost 60-year history.
Vonn's sensational return after several years out and complicated knee surgeries is drawing great admiration.
She credits a significant part of her success to her Norwegian coach, former speed star Aksel Lund Svindal. In the finish area in Zauchensee, Svindal was able to participate in a video call with Vonn's father, Alan Kildow.
Eggers crashed
It took a long wait before Vonn realized that today's run was enough for victory. Magdalena Eggers' dangerous crash meant a longer break in competition. The Austrian was conscious but could not get down on her own after hitting the safety net. She was hoisted onto a stretcher and taken by helicopter to hospital.
Austria's Corinne Suter, the reigning Olympic champion, made her first start of the season after injuries. She has some work to do, finishing more than a second behind Vonn.
On Sunday, Lindsey Vonn will have the chance for another podium finish.
Then a super-G will be held in Zauchensee.
Born: November 18, 1984 (age 41) in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA.
Championship achievements: Olympic gold in downhill in 2010, World Championship gold in downhill and in super-G in 2009, two Olympic bronzes, three World Championship silvers, three World Championship bronzes.
Alpine World Cup victories: 84 (45 in downhill, 28 in super-G, five in super combined, four in giant slalom and two in slalom).
Overall World Cup titles: 4 (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012).
Starts/podiums in the World Cup: 416/143.
Other: Debuted in the World Cup in November 2000, winner of the downhill cup eight times, the super-G cup five times, the super combined cup three times.
Current: Won the second downhill race of the season, in Zauchensee. Leads the downhill cup.
