Marussia’s Jules Bianchi could not hide his delight at a ninth-placed finish that earned the Banbury-based team their first points in Formula 1 at the Monaco Grand Prix yesterday.

The celebrations were ecstatic at the other end of the Monte Carlo pitlane as the minnows finally registered points in the Constructors' Championship in what was their 83rd grand prix since entering the sport as Virgin Racing in 2010.

The result was all the more remarkable given that the day had started with a gearbox change for Bianchi which resulted in a grid penalty, followed by further punishment from the stewards for starting in the wrong grid position after Pastor Maldonado, from the Enstone-based Lotus team, failed to get away on the formation lap.

The resultant five second stop-go penalty would continue to hang over the Frenchman even after he had crossed the line as he had served it while the Safety Car had been deployed, hence eighth became ninth in the final classification.

“We have been waiting for this for a long time and now that we have done it I am so proud of the team,” said a beaming Bianchi.

“They did a really good job and I am really happy to give them the result,”

“It was really stressful for me in the car and I guess for the team as well as we had some penalties, so I was lucky to finish in the points.

“I cannot say anymore, it is just amazing.”

Team Principal John Booth added: “The five-second penalty dropped us behind (Romain) Grosjean which is a shame, but we are absolutely over the moon.”

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