Mallya 'very proud' of team performance

Giancarlo Fisichella finished in second position in the Spa race after fighting for victory with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen all throughout the event.

Although Fisichella looked faster, he was unable to pass Raikkonen, the Finn having the benefit of KERS.

Mallya was nonetheless delighted with the result and said he didn't want "to get too greedy".

"Obviously KERS has clearly played a part, otherwise Giancarlo was very quick and right on his tail. Less than one second behind," said Mallya.

"But I am happy, I don't want to get too greedy and I think we should all be very proud of our performance today."

Mallya, who took control of the team after buying if from Spyker at the end of 2007, said he was nervous near the end of the race.

"I certainly has some palpitations," he said. "Luck hasn't been on our side until today. We have been in definite point scoring positions at least three times this season and for one reason or another we were knocked out.

"But today we vindicated ourselves, we not only got a podium, we got the points finally, so I am feeling pretty good about that."

The Indian team boss admitted he did not expect such a strong weekend, with Fisichella also starting from pole position.

"Of course I was a little surprised, but it was fantastic to be on pole position, and today to be on the podium is a big bonus and we feel very happy."

Mallya also downplayed suggestions that the future of his team was in danger due to financial problems.

"I don't see what is the correlation between the result and the future of the team. The sponsor is 95% me, so if I'm happy, everybody is happy!"