Interview - Nick Fry

Q. Can you really believe what happened in the Australian Grand Prix?

Nick Fry: It is slowly sinking in. It is a kind of strange feeling, as we knew the car was capable of it - but after so many problems in the last couple of years it is difficult to believe that even when you have the equipment, that it is all going to come right.

I think someone was smiling on us in Australia. Rubens [Barrichello] deserved second place but we needed a bit of help to get that. But it was a great team performance, and a demonstration of what you can do with a lot of hard work – sticking together with great loyalty. Everyone has done their bit and worked incredibly hard under very difficult circumstances.

Q. The team played down its form before the weekend. But having seen in Australia how quick it can be, were you always that optimistic about it?

NF: I think everyone was secretly optimistic, but didn't want to say anything for fear of almost jinxing it. I think you get a little bit superstitious about this, as we all wanted to keep schtum and say nothing, just in case it wasn't true. In our hearts we knew our car was really good. I think we've had just so much support, which no doubt over years ahead will come out – whether it was some of the other teams, Luca di Montezemolo offering instantly a Ferrari engine, or Ron Dennis doing the same for Mercedes-Benz and working really hard with us to make sure we could fit the engine.

Then there was the British government, the department of business, the ambassador in Tokyo got involved to make sure we could stay open, and persuading Honda that they should help us as much as possible – so many people who have actually played a part in this. A number of MPs have been really helpful – everyone has wanted us to survive, and they are all very happy – and deservedly so.

Find the rest of the interview here