Formula 1 Events

Nico Rosberg couldn’t hide his delight after scoring his first Formula 1 podium in the season-opener in Melbourne.

The German driver gave Williams just its second podium finish since 2005 with a strong drive to third place, confirming the progress the team has made over the winter.

And two years on from his F1 debut, Rosberg was thrilled to finally make the top three.

“I am really happy to be on the podium in F1 – it’s just great,” he said.

“It’s been a while also, nearly three years or something, so it’s really nice.

“I am also so pleased for the whole team who have been working really hard over the winter and have made good progress.”

Rosberg made a good start from seventh on the grid and was running fourth for the first stint of the race, but lost out to BMW’s Nick Heidfeld in a close pit lane drag race after they both pitted on the same lap.

“My qualifying could have been slightly better probably, but everything [else] went as planned,” he said.

“I was a bit surprised to see him [Heidfeld] right behind me and I was hoping to get out in front of him, but no chance – it was very close and I had to back off.

“I had a fantastic start and that’s what helped me have a great race.”

He is now hopeful that Williams will go on to enjoy a competitive season.

"I think we have a solid car to start the season with,” he said.

“I hope to have a nice development and I think we will have a good year."