Buemi hails 'amazing' STR showing after getting both cars in the top ten

"I am very happy for the team as they did a fantastic job and I congratulate them and thank them for it. Having both cars in Q3 is amazing," said Buemi, who will start the race from ninth position.

The Swiss warned, however, that the team now needs to capitalise on its strong qualifying showing.

"Now, I hope we can have a good race tomorrow, because there are no points for what we did today," he said. "The first race at this circuit is bound to be an interesting experience. It was teamwork that delivered today's result, with everyone giving their maximum since we arrived here in India."

Team-mate Jaime Alguersuari was also delighted with the team's form after securing tenth place on the grid.

"I am very happy, especially for the team as we are both in good positions and Sebastien was really fast, right from yesterday, when I had some problems. Today he drove a brilliant lap. We solved my problems overnight so that I could also be competitive today.

"Tomorrow, we have a good chance of doing well starting from these positions and it could be useful in terms of the championship as our main rivals, the Saubers, are starting behind us. Strategy will be important and if we do everything right then maybe we can bring home a big points score.

"The increase in performance at this point of the season is down to the great job the whole company has done in developing the car. I am hoping for a top eight finish tomorrow."