Lotus happy to beat a Williams

"I'm really happy today as we've accomplished what we said we'd do," said Fernandes after Heikki Kovalainen finished in 14th position, one place head of Nico Hulkenberg.

"We wanted to see at least one car cross the line for the first four races, and we've done that, but it's kind of bitter sweet today.

"It's obviously a great result for Heikki but a real shame for Jarno as he seems to take the brunt of the issues - it's a bit odd as it does seem to be just his car.

"The conditions today made it very tense out there and it's very satisfying, and shows how we're progressing, that today we were racing Williams, who we beat on track."

Kovalainen was equally pleased with his result and praised the decision to stay on out slick tyres early on.

"This was a great way to round off our first four races," said Kovalainen. "I think we had the correct strategy today in what were pretty tricky conditions. The pace was good - we were again ahead of the other new teams, and this time had a good battle with Williams.

"The decision to stay out early on dry tyres was made by me and the team together - it wasn't wet enough to come in and as soon as the race started I could see the rain had calmed down so we agreed it was the right call to stick with the plan.

"The other cars on wet tyres were obviously struggling so that worked out very well. It might not always work out like this for us, but today it showed we're a good team who make the right decisions, so I'm really pleased, for everyone in Lotus Racing, and all our fans."

Team-mate Jarno Trulli retired from the race with a mechanical problem.