Sebastian Vettel says it "feels like a victory" to finish third on his debut for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix.
Starting from fourth on the grid, Vettel followed Felipe Massa for the opening stint of the race before being able to jump the Williams during the pit stops despite stopping later. Having finished on the podium in his first race for Ferrari since switching from Red Bull, Vettel says the result is a special one.
"I think this was a great race for us," Vettel said. "Obviously the start was not ideal, I was very close, I did not succeed to pass Felipe straight away and then we had a great strategy and were able to save some tyres to go the opposite of the usual strategy to overtake someone through the pitstop. so that worked very well.
"Generally it has been very calm, very professional, led by the pitwall throughout the race. Of course it’s not a victory but for us today it feels like a victory."
And Vettel admits his affection for Ferrari gives him an added motivation to help the team build on its encouraging start.
"Obviously it’s a great relief after a horrible season last year to know that the car in general is working. People have done a great job both on engine and chassis sides, so big compliments to Maranello obviously. I’ve secretly been a fan, now officially I can be a fan of Ferrari and since the day I got there, there is something magic about the place.
"I feel very happy. I had a very good time with Red Bull and certainly was able to learn a lot, the experience I can now bring into the new project as well. So, as I said, people are fired up and we know where we want to go.
Click here for the full gallery from the Australian Grand Prix
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
