Sunday March 17th, 2002

Sauber teammates Nick Heidfeld and Felipe Massa were delighted after scoring their first points of the 2002 season at Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Both drivers had been forced into retirement at the start of the season opening Australian Grand Prix after the accident at the first corner. Following their disastrous start of the 2002 season, team boss Peter Sauber was pleased with the way they recovered at Sepang.

"To have both cars in the points at our 'home' circuit in Sepang is fantastic, especially as this is such a tough race," said Sauber. "Everyone in the team did an excellent job, not just in the race but all weekend. It was not easy to lift ourselves and to recover our momentum after what happened in Melbourne, but we have done that in style.

"This success is for Petronas because it's the first time we�ve scored points here. But it is something we can all celebrate."

German Heidfeld finished in fifth place after an exciting race where he had to battle with both Michael Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya.

"The car was great today, strong and reliable, and even when Michael and Juan Pablo came by me I was able to race for my position," said Heidfeld. "You always hope for more, but fifth place today is a great result for the team after the disappointment in Australia. I think I got the most out of our situation."

Brazilian Massa, making his Formula One debut this year after winning the European F3000 title, scored today his first point after finishing in sixth place, and the 20-year old was delighted with the result.

"I am so happy to score my first World Championship point in only my second F1 race," said Massa. "It feels wonderful. People tell me I touched another car in the first corner, but I didn't feel anything and I managed to keep clear of the other trouble."

Published at 09:48:26 GMT