Celebrations at Minardi, Baumgartner scores.

There were podium-magnitude celebrations in the Minardi Cosworth garage at the end of the United States Grand Prix today [Sunday] as the Faenza squad's Zsolt Baumgartner scored the team's first point in 41 races.

In doing so, the Budapest-based driver assured himself of a place in motor racing history, as he became the first Hungarian Formula One driver to score a World Championship point.

"It's a great feeling to score a point," he reflected, "it's like a miracle happened today!

"On the first lap, I tapped the back of one of the Jordans when it braked hard to avoid an accident at Turn 2. Fortunately, there wasn't any serious damage and I was able to carry on.

"After that, the race settled down and I was able to set very consistent lap times, which were not so far off my qualifying time, so I was really pleased with that. There was some big pressure in those last few laps when I knew we were close to getting a point, and then I saw the Sauber slow and Paul came on the radio and told me I was in the points.

"We were close in Monaco, and now we've scored here, so I couldn't be happier. It's also great for the whole team, as everyone has been working so hard all season and deserves this result."

Team boss, Paul Stoddart was equally delighted, although he was concerned about Ralf Schumacher, following his high-speed crash in the early stages of the race.

"What a fantastic ending to an action-packed United States Grand Prix! Firstly, our thoughts are with Ralf after his heavy accident, although we understand from first reports that he's okay.

"That aside, this race had everything, and when a team like Minardi that struggles so hard against the odds scores a point, it is an occasion for great celebration," he concluded.

"As for Zsolt, what can I say? He has driven with tremendous maturity all weekend and his pace has been strong and consistent.

"Today's result was just reward for a gritty performance because, as we all know, to finish first, first you have to finish. As the first Hungarian Formula One driver to score a World Championship point, he will go down in history, and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. To all the people on the team who work week in and week out for so little reward, I can only say 'well done'!"