Kaltenborn: 'We did everything right'

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It was a long time coming for Sauber, but the Swiss outfit finally broke its duck by scoring two tremendously valuable championship points on Sunday's Brazilian GP.

The team lined everything up perfectly on the strategy front while Felipe Nasr did not put a foot wrong in what was regarded as an extraordinarily difficult race, given the rain and circumstances.

Given its difficult financial health, Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn could not stress enough the importance of the Hinwill-based team's achievement.

"We know there's one more race and a lot can happen, but this was very important and there's no need for us to take it easy yes," said Kaltenborn.

"This was important because it proves the direction we are going is right. Sometimes we needed that little bit of luck as well.

"So we did everything right, the driver did a fantastic job, the team was right on their decisions, and we had that little bit of luck as well and managed to get these points."

It was a hectic afternoon on the Sauber pitwall however where the result remained in jeopardy until Felipe Nasr crossed the finish line.

"It was very tense, yes, because you never know what's going to really happen and we didn't want to be involved in anything.

"For us, it was just hanging in there, being in there and making sure that if anything comes or happens we are in that race.

"Manor was taking exactly that kind of approach as well and they were not far behind us. There was pressure from all these sides."

2016 Brazilian Grand Prix - Driver ratings

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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.