Speed thrilled with first F1 point

The Toro Rosso driver, starting from 18th place on the grid, finished in eighth place, scoring his maiden point and also his team's since they were renamed following the buyout of Minardi.

"To come from wherever we were on the grid - I can't even remember where we were, but I know it was a big number - it is incredible to come away from here with a point," said Speed.

"We always said our goal was to grab some points this year and to get the first one so early is incredible. It's one step closer to my goal.

"It was really exciting and what a feeling to come round on the last lap and to see the whole team up on the wall. It was one of the greatest moments I've ever had in my life."

Speed's point is the first for an American driver since Michael Andretti finished third at the 1993 Italian Grand Prix.

It was a day of mixed fortunes for the team, after Speed's teammate Tonio Liuzzi crashed heavily following one of the re-starts of the race. Until then, the Italian had enjoyed a very competitive race, even passing Ferrari's Michael Schumacher on track.

"What happened was a real shame as we were competitive and had a really good pace. I am not very happy as I think Jacques (Villeneuve) might have put me in the wall," he said.

"I am happy for Scott and the team that he picked up a point. Now I am looking forward to Imola where if the car is as competitive as here we can have a good race."