"Wow, I did not even think of getting on the podium for any second in the race today, so what a wonderful result!” said Michael after his wonderful result in Valencia. “Finally it happened! After such a long time waiting and for jumping on the podium so unexpectedly, I feel extra happy.

I think that was the best answer to give to everybody who started doubting our work: get the car together and fight back; never give up, as anything can happen.

A big thank you to the team and to everybody who kept on believing we would get on the podium again. That's what team work is about. A special word for my mechanics and engineers who have done a fantastic job this weekend after some difficult races this year.

I didn't think a podium was possible - not even at the end of the race, because it was pretty busy in the last laps and I had lost count of where I was. Then when I crossed the line, I asked the guys where I was and they said "Third - on the podium!"

It's one of those moments that you enjoy deeply as a driver. We were close a couple of times but it was great for it to happen in a spectacular race like this, through strategy and lots of passing on a circuit where overtaking is difficult."