Kubica hails 'fantastic' result for BMW

The Pole put on another strong showing for the German team, who have now finished in second place in two consecutive races, following Nick Heidfeld's podium in Australia.

It was Kubica's first podium finish since the 2006 Italian Grand Prix, and the BMW driver was delighted.

"I think it is a fantastic result for the team," said Kubica, who retired from the Australian Grand Prix after having started from the front row.

"Second place in a grand prix in a row. So after the unlucky Australian Grand Prix to finally get a podium after Monza 2006... I'm so happy for myself and the team."

He added: "I didn't have a good start with some wheelspin which compromised all the acceleration, so it was quite close with Trulli and Nick. I nearly lost the car under braking on the first corner but they touched and I managed to overtake them.

"Then I tried to keep a consistent pace. We knew we could not match Ferrari but we kept pushing. Then when I saw after the second pitstop Heikki being 17 seconds behind me we decided to keep down the revs and keep the engine fresh for the next race.

"I didn't feel all well. I was a bit sick and it was hard to keep concentration. So I was cruising to the end."

Despite their impressive start to the season, Kubica reckons BMW still need to improve their top speed.

But the Pole reckons the team can be very pleased with their form already.

"First of all I think we have to be happy with our pace already," he said. "Starting the season it didn't look so well, and it was difficult to say where we were.

"In top speed we are lacking a bit, it makes for tough races because we have to push hard in the corners. On the straight we are losing a bit of gap, so in the long distance races it is not easy with tyre degradation."

Teammate Nick Heidfeld finished in sixth place after dropping down the order at the start.