Valtteri Bottas managed to finish the Bahrain Grand Prix in fourth place for Williams Martini Racing, holding off the challenge of Sebastian Vettel over the closing laps, but Felipe Massa could only manage tenth after being forced to start the race from the pit lane.
Bottas was pleased with his fourth place finish, but admitted the last laps were hard with Vettel’s Ferrari right behind him. The Finn did not put a wheel out of line and was delighted to keep the German behind him until the chequered flag.
“I am pleased with the race and happy with fourth position,” insisted Bottas. “It was a real shame for the team that Felipe had an issue at the start.
“It was a lonely race but the final 20 laps were very tough. Sebastian was quicker than me, and closed up behind very fast, but the fight was really good fun.
“I know a few tricks that can really help to defend and they all worked today, and I am delighted to come out on top today.”
Massa was a frustrated figure after the race after seeing his qualifying efforts go to waste when he could not get going on the parade lap before the race, which ultimately saw him forced to start from the pit lane. He was then disappointed to be hit by the Lotus of Pastor Maldonado that damaged something on his car, and ultimately could only finish tenth.
“It was a frustrating day for me to have to start from the pit lane,” said Massa. “The car struggled to fire-up and once under way I had a lot of positions to make up.
“A few laps in at Turn Four, Maldonado ran into the back of me and damaged something. From then on I really struggled with the rear and the car was very hard to drive.
“It was a difficult day but one point is better than nothing.”
