"We were confident that we could get a points finish but didn't anticipate how competitive we would be so therefore I'm pleased for the whole team," the Scot said in a press release.

"As in Monaco our launch control system worked well and I gained two places at the start. In the early stages I was struggling with oversteer and had to be careful allowing me to save the brakes which benefited me later.

"Following my pit stop I was able to get out in front of Kimi and then had a good battle with Barrichello. We had a bit of a moment when we came to lap Sato.

"I thought Sato would move over at the Hairpin but instead he held me up and I lost momentum, which allowed Rubens to get alongside me going into the chicane.

"I braked as late as possible and missed the chicane and was prepared to move over if Rubens had made it, but Rubens made the same mistake and therefore I didn't gain any advantage."

Raikkonen managed his first finish since the Australian Grand Prix on March 3rd, and was pleased with his result - especially as he had been instructed to conserve fuel following a problem with his pit stop.

"First of all I'm pleased to finish the race - it's been some time!" he exclaimed. "I made a good start and had an enjoyable battle with Ralf Schumacher in the opening stages and managed to keep him behind me.

"However we had a problem with the fuel rig during my pit stop and subsequently didn't take enough fuel on board. The team told me to conserve fuel, which slowed me down considerably and cost me a podium position. However to finish in the points was a nice way to end the weekend."

Team principal Ron Dennis added: "Not surprisingly a day of mixed emotions. As a team we are delighted with David's excellent and well deserved second place but disappointed by the problems that took away the opportunity for Kimi to finish on the podium. His last lap time clearly demonstrated his potential. That said, nothing should take anything away from David's exceptional drive."