Felipe Nasr labeled his ninth place finish in the  Brazilian GP, and the two championship points that go with it, as "a victory" for Sauber.

Torrential rain, precarious conditions and a spell of safety cars and red flags were all helping hands for the Brazilian who made the most of the chaotic race to put an end to his team's dry spell.

But Nasr drove a steady race, staying on the track and out of trouble while running for the event's entire duration on a full wet set of tyres, thus avoiding the ill-fated strategy of going for intermediates like most of his direct rivals.

"It was amazing, it was like a dream come true, I couldn't have imagined a better way of scoring these two points at a home Grand Prix," he said.

"It was a difficult race for everybody, difficult conditions, but I was able to keep the car on track and hold off some quicker cars.

Scoring a top ten finish was only a remote possibility for most beforehand, but Felipe Nasr felt the chance existed if the conditions were difficult.

"With the weather being like this, I knew we could do it. I was surprised by the pace we had, keeping some quicker cars behind.

"It was a while since I scored my last points in Formula 1, it feels great, it tastes like a victory. From the difficult situation we were facing, I felt like we all deserved it. It's definitely a boost."

Nasr's performance now puts Sauber 11th in the Constructor's standings, just a point in front of Manor with one round to go.

Sauber's achievement will set the Swiss outfit up for a windfall in much needed prize money for 2017.

FULL REPORT: Hamilton wins delayed Brazilian GP to take title to wire

Silbermann says ... I'm going AWOL

Romain Grosjean column: Time for Haas to raise its game

FEATURE: What Rosberg need to do to win the title in Brazil

INTERVIEW: Fernando Alonso: Why F1 is no longer just for heroes

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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.

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