Piquet overjoyed with 'dream' start

The Brazilian, who started the race from pole position, dominated the proceedings, leading throughout the race, except during pitstops.

"This is what we've been dreaming of," Piquet said after the race. "It is the start to the championship we've been dreaming of, and it's started perfectly so I'm really, really happy.

"The team did an excellent job, we're at the top now, and we're going to be fighting as one of the top guys."

Piquet revealed, however, that the race did not go as easy for him as it seemed and expressed worries over his chances for tomorrow's race, which he will start from eighth.

"It was difficult, because we pitted quite early and the tyres didn't last, and we had to do a long stint with them," he said.

"Tomorrow is going to be difficult. We have to last the whole race with the same tyres, and we are starting from eighth here, where it is really difficult to overtake.

"I will try to be careful at the start, and not get caught up in anything, and try to get a few points."