More to come from Sauber after Bahrain points finish - Ericsson

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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.

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"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."

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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.