Theissen: maiden podium a boost

Nick Heidfeld came through the challenging conditions, and a late-race collision with Michael Schumacher, to take third place behind Jenson Button and Pedro de la Rosa.

That result, just one week after a disappointing German Grand Prix, eased pressure on both the German driver and his team.

Robert Kubica, standing in for Canadian Jacques Villeneuve, backed Heidfeld up with a seventh placed finish on his debut, but lost that position when his car was found to be underweight in post-race checks.

"If there is a chance then you have to take it," said Theissen as he celebrated his first podium as a team boss. "Especially after Hockenheim it was a very important result.

"It was important for the entire team, especially for the people back home in the factory to see that what they put on stream shows results here on the race track.

"I am happy for Nick, he drove an excellent race, no mistakes at all, he coped very well with the difficult conditions and scored the first podium for the team. I am happy for Robert as well. There are not many drivers who can claim points in their first race, especially in these conditions."

Kubica's strong performance on his debut appears to have done enough to secure his place at the team until the end of this season. Although the team have not officially confirmed that yet, the news that Villeneuve will not return to the team this year seem to have boosted Kubica's chances.

"He exceeded expectations," said Theissen about Kubica's weekend. "The decision (on his future) will be taken next week."