Happy Hulkenberg says he gave it all

Nico Hulkenberg declared himself happy with his eighth-place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix, despite having started from pole position

The Williams driver clinched a shock maiden pole on Saturday, but was unable to stay with the leaders in the race, dropping down the order quickly.

Hulkenberg said, however, that he had given it all, and was pleased with the result.

"I am happy with that result because I gave it everything today; there wasn't anything left in me to give," said Hulkenberg. "I was struggling quite a lot with the car, it really wasn't easy to drive, but I kept Kubica behind me all the way.

"The team did a great pitstop and chose the right strategy; we just needed some more car pace. Even though we started on pole, my expectations for the race were to finish between fifth and tenth, so P8 is fine and it means we are now sixth in the Constructors' Championship."

Team-mate Rubens Barrichello had to settle for 16th position after a troubled race which included a puncture and a slow pitstop.

"We had a faulty pitstop today which we need to investigate," he said. "I was happy with my pace though. Unfortunately, after one of my overtaking attempts on Alguersuari, he ran over me which destroyed my front tyre so I had to come in again.

"I just came in too many times to score points. I'm sorry for all the Brazilians who came here wanting a different result. All I can say is that I gave it my all until the very end."