Magnussen and Haas rewarded with points after solid drive

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Haas secured its first points finish of the year in Shanghai, courtesy of Kevin Magnussen delivering an eighth-place finish in the Chinese Grand Prix.

It was the Dane's first top-ten finish since last year's Singapore Grand Prix and one which was achieved following a solid drive in treacherous conditions.

Magnussen launched his race from P12 on the grid and exerted caution in the opening laps under the wet but drying conditions, but was already up to 9th by lap 10, hot on the heels of Force India's Sergio Perez.

"I had some fun out there with the Force India," said Magnussen.

"I had a really poor start, so to come back from that and push, I was really happy," said Magnussen.

"The car’s been good today. I was able to look after the front tires, which I think was key, along with working with the team to get the car in the right window.

"The race was really well managed from the team. It was good strategy to get me out on the supersoft after the intermediates."

Steely Hamilton stays in charge for Shanghai win

It wasn't an easy day out on the race track however, with the necessity to sometimes force the issue when it came to overtaking.

"You had to fight for it, in terms of passing," the Haas driver admitted.

"It’s not easy, but you also have grip, so you can take different lines and get close in alternative ways.

"It’s so much more fun when you’re fighting in the points. I’m happy for the team and we’re looking forward to the coming races."

GALLERY: All the pictures from Sunday in Shanghai

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.