Liuzzi delighted after 'perfect' weekend

"Another great race and another great result for the team," said Liuzzi, who charged back from 13th place to score points for the second race in succession.

"It's a confirmation of the pace we showed in Bahrain and the work the team did over the winter," added the Italian, ninth in the season opener.

"We worked hard all weekend for this seventh place and it's a brilliant result at the end of what was a crazy race.

"At the beginning of the race on the intermediate tyres we were struggling a little and lost a few positions but after I pitted for the dry tyres I was able to recover and stay on the race pace.

"Towards the end of the race the rear tyres were going off a lot as I had been on them for a long time, but it was just enough to hold onto the position. I think it was another perfect weekend and now we can look forward to Malaysia."

Team-mate Adrian Sutil was not so lucky, the German missing out on a points finish despite starting from the top ten.

Sutil retired from the race after just 12 laps.

"We seemed to have a problem with the engine very early on in the race," Sutil said. "I was driving on just four cylinders and then lost the power and that was it really. It was a shame as we were looking good after the start.

"The team looked to try and get me out again after I came into the garage as we were in such a good position and I was the quickest car on the circuit at one stage.

"We missed out on a big chance here today but what can you do. It's good news for the team that Tonio got some more points and I'll be looking to bring my points on board at the next race."