De la Rosa elated with points finish

The Spanish driver, who had started the race from a season-best ninth position, went on to finish in seventh for his first points of the year.

It was also his first finish in the points since the 2006 season.

De la Rosa said Sauber deserved the result for the progress it has made in recent races.

"I am extremely happy and I am especially happy for the team who deserved a good result for all the hard work in developing the car so much further," said de la Rosa. "After the start is was difficult for me but then the safety car came out at a good time and the team did a good job calling me in.

"My pitstop went very well and afterwards it was more or less about keeping position. My car was okay during the race although I can see several things that we can learn from.

"We came here and did not expect too much on this slow circuit and now we have finished with both cars in the points for the first time this year."

Team-mate Kamui Kobayashi finished in ninth position for the first double point-scoring finish of the year for the Swiss squad, which was taking part in its 300th GP.

"This result for the team's 300th grand prix is just great and a big relief," said team boss Peter Sauber. "It was a fantastic effort from the drivers and the team who all did a fantastic job. Congratulations to everybody."