“We have scored nine important points. This is more than can be expected if you start from fifth and ninth, therefore we are happy with the results. Both drivers had trouble-free races with no errors. Now we are confident as we look forward to Monaco.”

Flavio Briatore [Renault – managing director]:

“It's nice to see some encouraging signs of improvement. Fernando made a fantastic start and had a great race to get us some important points. It was difficult for Nelson starting from so far back, but he managed to drive a consistent race and kept pace with the midfield pack. We are confident that we are starting a new phase, which will see us get closer and closer to the top three teams.”

Pat Symonds [Renault – executive director of engineering]:

“I think we made the most of our chances today. Fernando's race was essentially with Webber, but it was gratifying to see that we were closer to the BMWs once again, although there is still a gap that we need to close. Nelson's race was always going to be difficult and there was little we could do for him strategically, but it was a spirited drive, especially his defence against Heikki.”

Christian Horner [Red Bull – team principal]:

“Mark was mainly racing against Fernando [Alonso] today and was very close to out-running him at the first pit-stop – I think he missed out by half a second, which was unfortunate. Seventh was ultimately the outcome, and we collected a fourth consecutive points finish.

“David lost a position to [Nico] Rosberg on the first lap and spent the rest of the afternoon chasing him. He looked quicker, but unfortunately we couldn't out-run him through strategy today, and David finished an always frustrating ninth. We're pleased to have maintained our 100 per cent reliability record after another promising weekend.”

Fabrice Lom [Renault – principal engineer, track support]:

“It's a good result, although we're a little disappointed as we hoped to finish sixth. We've gained a place in the constructors' championship and, in terms of engine management, we're pleased. We were a little concerned following Fernando [Alonso]'s problems at the last race. This is now a demanding track for the engine, especially with turn eight, so we're pleased with the reliability of the engine here.”

Sam Michael [Williams-Toyota – technical director]:

“It's good to get a point for the constructors' championship. It was a clear-headed drive from Nico; he was flat-out all afternoon, didn't make any mistakes and delivered. Unfortunately, the traffic just prior to both pit-stops cost him some time. The whole midfield is very tight now as today demonstrated, so we need to bring some more performance to the car if we are going to stay in the battle for fourth place.

“Kazuki was hit from behind which left his car too badly damaged to continue so his race was over, which was a shame. Apart from that, we had no reliability issues.”

Tadashi Yamashima [Toyota – team principal]:

“Friday's practice session went well and we found a good set-up, but for the rest of the weekend the pace of the car was not quick enough. There is still a big gap between our performance and that of the front teams, so that is the main reason for our result today.

“Of course Timo was not helped by his mechanical problem in qualifying. Then today both cars lost ground at the start, so we will have to investigate that further when we get back to the factory. Those issues meant that the two cars were stuck in traffic for most of the race. Now we must improve our performance and aim for a better result next time.”

Ross Brawn [Honda – team principal]: