Force India celebrate 'great' result

Giancarlo Fisichella showed strong form after a disappointing qualifying, the Italian taking full advantage of a good start to move into 11th position on the early laps.

The Roman went on to finish in 12th, the team's best result so far this year.

Teammate Adrian Sutil was not so lucky, however, and was forced to pit at the start after losing his front wing in an incident.

"A great race for the team and good to be racing again," said Gascoyne. "Adrian's race was unfortunately compromised at the start when he lost his nose. Although we turned him around pretty quickly, he came out just in front of the pack, which meant he lost a lot of time with the blue flags.

"When he was on his own he was able to drive consistently and quickly and it is encouraging to see him get his first finish of the year.

"Giancarlo had a storming race and made up a lot of positions on the opening lap. It was a shame to lose out on the pit stops to Barrichello and then to get lapped just before the end, but apart from that it is promising for the team to finally be racing again."

Team owner Vijay Mallya was also delighted with the result and he is now hoping to build on it during the European season.

"I am smiling after this race as we again stepped up our game here in Bahrain," he said. "We have performed well this weekend, with Giancarlo and Adrian just missing out on Q2 again by the smallest of margins and featuring well in practice. We have then achieved a double finish and were once more fighting for positions.

"Adrian was unlucky that his race was compromised at the first corner and he lost a lap, but he drove very well with an encouraging pace and secured his first finish of the year. He can use this as the start of his season and can move forward again in Spain.

"I was delighted with Giancarlo's race pace and proud to see a Force India again fighting with well-established and experienced teams and drivers. Going into the European season now we have a very strong foundation."