BMW 'proud' of double points finish

"It was a turbulent race with many exciting moments," said Theissen. "We are proud that we were able to bring both cars home in the points for the first time."

Nick Heidfeld finished a strong fourth after having started the race from eighth place.

The German driver was pleased with the result and his only complaint was that he was unable to heat up his tyres fast enough following the Safety Car periods.

"I am really happy about this result," Heidfeld said. "We were already competitive in practice but we were even stronger in the race. I think it's fantastic for a new team having both cars in the points, especially considering where Jacques started.

"My only problem was that I couldn't get heat into the tyres immediately after each safety car period; it was particularly bad after the last one when Kimi was all over me, and we touched lightly in Turn 4.

"I then braked too late for Turn 6 because the front tyres were still not up to temperature, and as I ran wide he was able to pass me. So was Ralf, within metres of yellow flags. My compliments to the pit crew, who did a fabulous job."

Canadian teammate Jacques Villeneuve, who had his engine changed on Saturday, completed a good recovery from the back of the grid to finish in sixth position.

"Starting from 19th place with a full tank and finishing sixth is obviously a lot better than I expected, so it was a very good race for me," he said. "The only problem I had was warming up the tyres after the numerous safety car phases.

"We have to have a look at this to improve the situation, but otherwise our pace was good."