» First race finish for Virgin Racing

It was a race of improved competitiveness for the Virgin Racing team, which managed to have Lucas di Grassi’s car make it to the finish for the first time this season.

Di Grassi finished 3 laps down in 14th position, and was the highest-placed driver of the three rookie teams.

Having been plagued by fuel feed issues and with the VR-01 equipped with a fuel tank that is too small, the team instructed Lucas to substantially drop his pace in the closing laps in order for the car to make the chequered flag.

Fortunately for the team, their nearest rival – Lotus’ Jarno Trulli – was also experiencing his own technical maladies and could not mount on attack on the ailing Cosworth-powered car..

"It was a very tough race today – physically and mentally – but I’m so happy to bring the Virgin Racing car home to the finish," said di Grassi.