Heidfeld hails 'fantastic' start

The Renault driver scored his first rostrum finish of the season, the first in two years, after making a sensational start from sixth on the grid.

Heidfeld was second by the first corner and then went to finish in third position. His last podium had also been in Malaysia in 2009.

The German, who failed to score in the season-opening race in Australia, admitted his first podium with Renault was a big step.

"The start was fantastic, good fun," said Heidfeld. "In Australia I made up many positions at the start, but I didn't expect the same starting from sixth.

"I felt myself fighting with Seb who watched me in the mirrors. After that I did the best I could but Sebastian was quite a bit quicker then.

"In the first stint there were some drops coming down and I called the box to say tyres going off. They said 'stay out' as we didn't want an extra pitstop.

"We had some good pace later on, especially with the Prime tyres and then had to defend from Mark who came flying by, then Mark attacked but his tyres started to degrade.

"My first podium for Lotus Renault is a great step."