Coulthard delighted with McLaren progress

"Our performance throughout the weekend indicates that we have taken a step forward," said Coulthard. "There was a lot of traffic during the race which, combined with our one stop strategy, allowed me to close the gap to the leaders. For the last 30 laps I was not pushing as hard as I could have done because I chose to look after my engine."

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug was pleased with the team's progress despite Kimi Raikkonen losing an engine and the team losing any chance of the runner-up spot in the constructors' championship.

"We have taken a step forward with regard to our performance," said Haug. "Thanks to the team's strategy we got close to the Ferraris at one stage of the race. David did well to finish on the podium.

"Unfortunately Kimi had to retire with an engine failure caused by a broken spark plug, before that he had done impressive lap times with nine cylinders. We are looking forward to Suzuka where we hope to continue our progress."