Jos Verstappen was unlucky to miss out on a point in the rain-lashed Malaysian Grand Prix.

The Dutchman, who drives for the Orange Arrows team based in Oxfordshire, performed brilliantly, passing 12 cars on the first lap to get up to sixth position and run as high as second during the race.

But he was denied a point, finishing in seventh place.

His team-mate Enrique Bernoldi was among the eight retirements.

Verstappen said: "It was a great feeling to be so high up in the race. We got the maximum out of the car and the maximum out of me, especially at the start - I think that's one of my best yet!

"The car felt good in the wet but we know from last year it is good then and I have to say that I really enjoyed being up there in second place.

"The only shame is that we just missed out on the points, but we're very happy that we have finished the race for the second time this season."

Orange Arrows technical director Mike Coughlan said: "Jos put in a tremendous effort with a fantastic, aggressive drive. The car behaved perfectly, too, after we took downforce off so we would have the speed we needed in the dry.

"We were hoping for a second round of heavy rain which didn't arrive, so we had to come in for more fuel at the end so we're disappointed that didn't come off.

"Enrique had a tough time again, aquaplaning off after a few laps, but many more experienced drivers went off at that time too.

"We're all disappointed for him but will be right behind him for his home event in Brazil."

Jenson Button finished his first race for the Enstone-based Benetton team in 11th place, though he was lapped twice. Team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella went out on lap 32 with a fuel pressure problem.

Benetton's director of engineering Pat Symonds said the race was another step on the long path to the team's comeback.

He said: "We need to look for speed as well as reliability. We achieved some reliability and although the cause of Giancarlo's retirement was a the failure of a very small part, it was nevertheless significant enough to stop the car.

"Jenson drove a steady race under very difficult conditions and the team worked very well all weekend."

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