Alexander Rossi concluded his maiden F1 race in a strong 14th position and ahead of Manor team-mate Will Stevens, despite not having any radio contact for the entire second half of the Singapore Grand Prix.
The US GP2 Series title contender had received a last-minute call up to replace Roberto Merhi at Marina Bay Circuit, but was off to an inauspicious start when he crashed into the wall in FP1.
Having qualified half a second off his team-mate, Rossi quickly moved past the other Manor when Stevens outbraked himself at Turn 7 early in the race. From then on, the F1 debutant managed to stay out of trouble in an action-packed contest to record his first career finish.
“It was a good result for the team,” said Rossi. “Our main objective was obviously bringing the car home in one piece and we got a decent position at the same time so everyone can be quite happy.
“This is the hardest track to debut on and we got through it relatively unscathed. I'm just pleased the team managed to bounce back from what was a difficult Friday.”
Rossi’s performance was all the more impressive, considering that the 23-year-old lost radio signal halfway through the grand prix.
“This made my life difficult. But fortunately we were able to relay a lot of information via the pit board, which resolved any potential issues and we were able to manage it quite well.”
Rossi’s radio problem became apparent during the second Safety Car period, when the Californian-born racer did not unlap himself as mandated, but stayed instead in the path of front runners Daniel Ricciardo and Kimi Raikkonen (see picture).
“I didn't find it that weird, what was happening. Apparently everyone else did so I'll have to look into that and understand what the exact regulation is because I thought the green light would go on for the safety car.
“But at the end I think we were able to manage letting the leaders by quite well, so at the end of the day it worked out just fine.”
REPORT: Vettel takes third win as Hamilton retires in Singapore
AS IT HAPPENED: 2015 Singapore Grand Prix
Click here for some of the most memorable crashes at Singapore
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
After Cadillac’s Sergio Perez recently hinted that fresh performance gains were on the way, the…
Fernando Alonso has spent much of his Formula 1 career tormenting rivals. But these days,…
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has revealed its highly anticipated 21-round calendar for…
Toyota protégé Ryo Hirakawa's Formula 1 journey will take another step forward this weekend as…
On this day in 1968, Jackie Stewart delivered the first triumph to a French constructor…
The World Motor Sport Council has officially ratified major updates to Formula 1’s future power…