Bruno Senna encouraged by points finish at Monza

The Brazilian, in his second grand prix with the Renault team after having replaced Nick Heidfeld, drove a solid race to grab his first points in Formula 1 with ninth position.

Senna had started from tenth, but lost places at the start due to the accident at the first chicane.

"I'm happy to score my first F1 points today, especially as it was only my second race for the team," said Senna. "Although I started 10th, it was not been an easy job to finish ninth.

"We suffered some bad luck in the first corner; everybody was cutting the chicane which forced me to drive on the outside, and in the process I lost all the places I had fought so hard for in qualifying.

"It makes me very happy to know that I am able to put myself in the position of scoring points, and also to fight with the guys who have been doing this for a long time.

"The pace of the car was clear for all to see, but I wish the race was just one lap longer because I may have been able to pass Paul (Di Resta) for eighth.

"The team chose a great strategy, the tyre was fast enough where I needed it to be and I am very happy to get my name on the points board. The team did a great job and I am really looking forward to Singapore."

Team-mate Vitaly Petrov was hit by Tonio Liuzzi's car at the first corner, the Russian feeling lucky he was not injured.

"Naturally I am very disappointed with what happened today," he said. "I had a reasonable start and, as I was heading into the first chicane, Vitantonio's HRT came from nowhere and hit me big time, which brought my race to an end. There's nothing I could have done to avoid this.

"First of all, I'm happy not to be injured, as the impact was quite strong and it could have been a nasty accident. We have put in so much effort since Spa, at the track, Enstone and Viry, so I'm sorry that wasn't translated into points today. This is part of racing, but I can't help thinking that we could have secured a good result."