More to come from Sauber after Bahrain points finish - Ericsson

If it hadn't been for Pierre Galsy's spectacular drive to fourth with Toro Rosso, there's no doubt Sauber's Marcus Ericsson would have been a likely contender for driver of the day.

The Swede put an end in Bahrain to a 50-race pointless streak with a superb drive - perhaps the best in his four-year career - to ninth place.

"I'm extremely happy and proud of the team," said a jubilant Ericsson Sunday evening.

"I think we worked very hard, I've had some very tough years but I've been working very hard to turn things around.

• Gasly stupefied by 'unbelievable' run to fourth

"This year it's a new chapter with this team, with Alfa Romeo coming in and a lot of things happening, it's a fresh start.

"But to score points on the second weekend is a great boost for everyone, and a great reward for all the hard work we put in over the winter, so I'm extremely happy."

The great result will undoubtedly boost the Swiss outfit's spirits, but Ericsson reckons there's more to come from the Hinwil squad given what he knows is in the development pipeline.

"We know we have a solid base to build from, we showed that today, and what's really promising is that I know we have a lot of development and upgrades coming," he added.

"We have a very aggressive development plan so that makes me very hopeful that we can fight for points every weekend."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter