Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson both delivered composed performances in Australia to bring the Sauber F1 team their first points since the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix.
The Swiss team had endured a difficult lead-up to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, after a legal challenge by former reserve driver Giedo van der Garde threatened to overshadow the entire weekend as he chased a race seat.
However, van der Garde dropped the case on Saturday, leaving Nasr and Ericsson free to compete.
The controversy surrounding the team made the final result even more emotional, especially after a super start from Nasr elevated him to fifth in the field, a position he would never relinquish as he picked up ten valuable points on his Formula 1 debut.
“I am very happy with fifth position in my first ever Formula 1 race,” said the Brazilian. “It is such a big relief for the team and myself that we are able to score points, and I am very pleased about this achievement. It was a tough race.
“Right after the start it was quite messy in Turn 1, as another driver hit my wheel. I thought the car was damaged a bit, but after a few laps I noticed everything was fine. After that, the race went according to plan.
“There was pressure from behind during the whole race, which was not easy. That was an emotional race for me and everyone in the team.”
After a first lap safety car, Ericsson made a bold move to pit straight away, which would ultimately allow him to move up into eighth place and claim his maiden points finish in Formula 1.
“It is amazing for everyone in the team here in Melbourne and also back home in the factory to get this result in the first race weekend of the 2015 season,” he said.
“We have seen good progress during pre-season testing, and with this achievement I am really happy for everyone. For me as a driver, I have scored my first points in Formula 1, which is a big goal achieved.”
Images courtesy of Sauber F1
