'Third place more than I expected,' says relieved Rosberg.

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Nico Rosberg's good fortunes in Malaysia were surely at the opposite end of those of Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton, with the German surviving a first lap clash to clinch a priceless podium finish.

It almost appeared like the championship leader's day at the office would be cut short after a few hundred yards when Rosberg's Mercedes was pitched into a spin by Sebastian Vettel at Turn 1 just after the start.

The German kept his engine running however and turned himself around once the pack safely got through, before furiously setting off in pursuit of a points finish.

"I thought it was all over at Turn 1," said the man who now enjoys a 23-point lead over his Mercedes team mate.

"The impact was really hard and I thought my car was broken. It's awesome that it held on. I turned it around quickly and went for it, trying to fight my way through. I can't believe I'm standing here with third place, didn't expect that.

Rosberg indeed battled his up through the ranks, eventually reaching fifth just before the halfway mark where he met with the resistance offered by Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

On lap 38, the German attempted a risky move on the Finn at Turn 2 as he muscled his way past the Ferrari on the inside, hitting Raikkonen in the process.

Unimpressed, the race stewards inflicted a 10-second penalty for good measure, which Rosberg would not dispute.

"I had to go in aggressive because otherwise I would not get past him. I thought it worked out well although I knew it was a bit in the limit. Fortunately, the penalty did not cost me any positions."

Rosberg admitted he had to work overtime in the closing laps to maintain a 10-second lead over the Ferrari driver while preserving at a very minimum his engine.

"I was pushing with everything I had and at the same time had to manage the engine a bit because there were some concerns after Lewis' breakdown. It was a bit touch and go while giving it everything."

While rejoicing over his increased lead in the championship, the German expressed sympathy over his team mate's bad luck.

"I know he's feeling absolutely gutted. I've been in that situation and I know how it feels when the car gives up on you.

"It's always very tough mentally because you're doing a good job and it's taken away from you. It's a tough moment."

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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.