It was a tough race today but I’m very happy with the outcome. I struggled a little more in the first stint, but after the first stop everything turned around and my pace was pretty good. I was right on the tail of my team-mate throughout the second two stints, and was trying to get past when Will spun. Thankfully, I was able to get out of the way, but it was a real heart-in-mouth moment that I’m sure looked every bit as dramatic from outside the cockpit as it did from where I was sitting! All in all, I’m pleased with how things are going after two races and glad we had a good race after a difficult weekend.

It goes without saying that I’m disappointed with the result today. I felt I was in control up until the point of the penalty and then the spin, and that’s where I lost the advantage. It’s a shame, as my pace was strong all weekend, so that’s what I’m focusing on and I’m looking forward to getting things back on track in Russia. I’m pleased for what is a good team result though, and that is what we were targeting here.

Today’s race was progressing in a fairly straightforward fashion for us, largely defined by a continuation of the developing intra-team battle between Will and Alex that has kept us very much on the edge of our seats over the last two races. In the closing stages, we experienced a brief heart-stopping moment when Will lost the back of the car at 130R and spun into the path of his team-mate. Credit to them both for their impressive reactions; Will did well to collect the car without leaving the asphalt, while Alex’s lightning response ensured there was no contact. There were sharp intakes of breath all round up on the pit wall, but all’s well that ends well and we are pleased to achieve our tenth two-car finish of the season. A good job all round today, and indeed all weekend, after an emotional return to Suzuka for our team.