13-10-2013.- Esteban Gutiérrez continues making solid steps in Formula One as he scored his first career points by finishing the Japanese Grand Prix in seventh place.

 

Sauber's driver had a great start from 14th to ninth on the first lap at the Suzuka circuit, and from there he climbed positions to eventually finish seventh.

 

“This result comes from a lot of work, a lot of hard work from the team, from the people around me and from myself. It feels like a victory to me because it has cost us very much to reach this point and now scoring points is very rewarding”.

 

“I focused on making a good start; in terms of numbers this has been the best of the season; we gave everything as a team and this is how we must continue working. If we keep working like this we will be able to achieve good results in the remaining races of the season”, said the Mexican driver.

 

In the final laps of the race Esteban battled Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg, however, Gutiérrez was able to hold the pressure and finish ahead of the German driver.

 

“At the end it was a little difficult, Nico was too fast behind me and I had to use a different strategy to hold him, which I managed to do until the end of the race.

 

“Apart from the result and the fact that we scored some points, the way the race went, how I was able to fight for positions, my having to protect my position against Nico Rosberg in a fast car during the final laps, that is what brings good energy, and knowing that I am capable of being at that level is very important for my development”, he explained.

 

With this result Esteban scored six points, becoming the first rookie driver to make the points so far in the season.

 

“This is how we intend to be from now on, being consistent, it is important to keep the pace and continue learning from every aspect that we can improve, and to get up every day looking for ways to improve as a person as well as a driver.

 

“To have both cars in the points, it can't be any better than this, we just have to keep working hard and moving forward”, he remarked.

 

The race was won by Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, with teammate Mark Webber and Lotus driver Romain Grosjean completing the podium.