RENAULT were celebrating seeing both their drivers finishing in the points after an action-packed Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Nico Hulkenberg took a fine sixth place for the Enstone-based team, while Carlos Sainz finished ninth in a race won by Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo.

The lead changed hands several times, while the safety car was in operation following a crash between the two Toro Rosso cars.

“The safety car played to our hands and made things easier,” said Hulkenberg, who sits seventh in the driver standings.

“But even without the safety car I think we would have come out on top.

“The pace was good and we were on top of the midfield, so not a bad day overall.

“Eight points, we’ll take that home. It was an entertaining one, that’s for sure.”

Sainz, who is 12th, added: “Double points for the team again this year. Well done!

“Overall I’m happy to score more points.

“But I still need to work hard with my engineers to get full confidence with the car.”

l CHIPPING Norton’s Sean Walkinshaw finished sixth in the first round of the Super GT Championship at Okayama.