Rosberg delighted after maiden podium

The Williams driver confirmed his team's pre-season form by putting on a strong performance, going on to finish in third place in his 36th Formula One start.

"I'm really happy," admitted Rosberg, who finished behind Lewis Hamilton and Nick Heidfeld. "To get a podium in F1 is great. It has been a while, three years or something.

"It's nice and I am pleased for the team, they have been working hard all winter, making good progress and it has been great."

He added: "My qualifying could have been slightly better but everything happened as planned. I was hoping to get out in front of him (Heidfeld). It was close and I had to back off. I had a fantastic start and that is what helped, thanks to the engineers."

Rosberg is now hopeful Williams can keep up the development rate and stay in front all season long.

"I think we have a solid car to start the season with. I hope to have a nice development and we will have a good year."

Williams' strong day was completed by Kazuki Nakajima's seventh place, although the Japanese could be elevated to sixth if Honda's Rubens Barrichello is penalised for leaving the pitlane with the red light on.