Renault driver Fernando Alonso claimed his first podium of the season today as he delivered a strong drive to take third place in the second running of the Singapore Grand Prix. The Spanish racer drove a solid race from start to finish and after recent events the former double world champion is very happy to give the team a boosting result.

"This was a great result for the team allowing us to be positive and put behind us the past few weeks,” he said. “I had a good start and great pace throughout the race and third place came as a result of a good strategy and a solid race. Everyone at Enstone, Viry and here at the circuit has done a great job and this has paid off today. Now we go to Suzuka in high spirits."

Meanwhile, rookie teammate Romain Grosjean didn’t get too much experience in the only night event on the calendar after being forced to retire in the early stages with brake problems.

"It was a disappointing weekend for me,” he said. “The car just wasn't right and we had recurring brake problems which we hoped we had solved before the race. I had a good start and a good first lap when I felt my brakes failing and so the team asked me to retire. It's too bad because I was comfortable and enjoying this track and racing at night. Now we will have to work hard and get the car back in order for Japan next week."

"Today was absolutely fantastic,” added Bob Bell. “It's wonderful to get a podium at any time but to get one after what the team has just been through is really positive and gives us great strength to move on now. Unfortunately Romain had more brake problems which put him out of the race early on. It's clear he has a lot of potential for the future and he just needs to move on from this race and make sure he completes a solid race in Japan. Everybody in the team will now go to the final three races very buoyed by this result because it shows that the team can fight for the podium."