Greater Noida: There was something to cheer about for the die hard Indian fans in the inaugural Grand Prix of India as Sahara Force India collected two points from the race on Sunday.

The points came after Adrian Sutil finished ninth at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC). Sutil’s teamamte, Paul di Resta, however, could manage only a 13th place finish, thereby returning empty-handed.

Sutil had dropped back to the 13th place after starting from eighth on the grid, but he pulled his way back to pip Sergio Perez of Sauber in the dying minutes to secure the ninth place.

The result also helped Sahara Force India to strengthen their sixth position in the constructors’ championship as they are now leading both Sauber and Toro Rosso by 10 points. Sahara Force India now have 51 points in their kitty.

“I think it was a good race and we could be very happy with the two points today (Sunday),” Sutil said. “In the early laps, I struggled with the rear of the car, with a bit of oversteer, and could not hold on to Torro Rosso, who were a bit quicker today.”

However, Narain Karthikeyan, the only Indian driver in the fray, ended at the 17th place after starting last on the grid.

“I am really happy that I finished the race, and that too ahead of my teammate (Daniel Ricciardo),” said the Hispania driver. Ricciardo was placed 18th.

“It is the best possible result we could have got… I was just half-a second behind the Virigin car. I could have finished 16th,” said India’s first ever Formula One driver.

The 34-year-old was however baffled why he was forced to the rear of the grid, when it was announced that he would start 23rd.

“They screwed it up… I don’t understand what made them do this. Even they are confused.”

Karthikeyan will not race for Hispania in the last two races of the seaon — the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Brazilian Grand Prix. Asked about his future, especially as his contract with Hispania ends this year, Karthikeyan said that he has no idea.“We have not discussed that yet… We don’t talk about it. Where do we go? I don’t know,” he said.

He was however optimistic that with him getting a lot of mileage with this race, he will get the backing of sponsors. “I think, it should help,” he said.