Q and A with Spyker’s Colin Kolles

Q. After 15 tough races for the team, you must be delighted with the outcome of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Colin Kolles, Spyker team principal: After Midland failed to score any points in 2006, it was our aim this year to secure at least one point with Spyker. At the start of the championship everyone said it wasn't possible, but now thanks to the hard work and continued determination of the team we have finally got it. It's a great reward to everyone and it will be a good motivating factor going into the winter and next season.

Q. Adrian Sutil drove a very measured race in difficult conditions. How impressive was that performance to you?

CK: A lot of people thought after the mid point of the season that Adrian was quick, but I believe they also thought he was a little too 'enthusiastic'. We always knew that taking a rookie driver on will have these risks, but also knew that he had the potential to be very, very good.

In Turkey he kept calm when he was being put under pressure by the Hondas; in Belgium he showed he could be patient and attack only when the time was right. Now in Japan in difficult conditions he kept it on track and got past a lot of experienced drivers. I think this shows clearly how far he has come and how much he has matured.

Q. Sakon too had a good race.

CK: Yes, in only his fifth race for the team and his 12th ever F1 race, he showed how he could keep it together and bring the car to the finish to get his best result to date. Since he has joined the team he has been hard-working and professional and it's a great result for him, especially in front of his home crowd.

Q. That first point was also a boost for the team as it moved you to 9th in the constructors' championship. How important is that for the team?

CK: Our aim was to finish in the top 10, so to be 9th is beyond our expectations. Financially it will be very important, but for the motivation of all the team members it is a real boost. Of course now we have got it, we will still want more! We've been quicker than the Hondas in the past two races and they have two points, so this is now our target. Spyker PR