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Sebastien Buemi was delighted to have scored his and Toro Rosso’s best result of the season so far with his eighth place in the Canadian Grand Prix – and to have overtaken Michael Schumacher in the process.

The Swiss driver started on the harder compound tyre and moved up the order as those in front of him pitted, briefly seizing the lead before his first stop on lap 15.

Despite his STR5-Ferrari suffering from a broken exhaust system for the last 40 laps, he passed Schumacher – who was struggling with severely worn tyres – 11 laps from the flag.

“I am super-happy to have scored four points because we did not expect that much,” said Buemi.

“The team did an excellent job, especially during the pit stops and also the strategy was spot-on.

“I enjoyed some fights, including passing Schumacher which was difficult because – even though we were on the same tyres, with his being older than mine – he is a real fighter.

“Generally it was a tough afternoon, because there was a lot of degradation which is why we planned to make three pit stops – something we are not used to.

“The other worry I had was a broken exhaust from quite early on.

“I also enjoyed leading the race for a lap, which was a nice feeling.

“I hope this means my season will really kick off now, because I have not had much luck and the team has been working really hard.

“It feels so much better to have had a ‘normal’ race today. Eighth place, leading the race and passing Michael. What a day!”

Team-mate Jaime Alguersuari was in the thick of the midfield action for much of the race and finished 12th.

“It was a tough afternoon which did not go so well for me, even if I was involved in a lot of exciting incidents and moves,” said the Spaniard.

“The best point for me is that the team once again gave me a reliable car with which I could finish the race and gain more valuable experience.”

Buemi’s points moved Toro Rosso ahead of Williams in the constructors’ championship on countback.

“I like coming to Montreal because Toro Rosso always seems to pick up points here and today we did it again, with the added pleasure of seeing one of our cars lead the race, albeit briefly,” said team boss Franz Tost.

“Sebastien did a fantastic job, as did the entire team, because the engineers produced a good set-up on both cars and our strategy was absolutely correct.

“The four points Sebastien brought home today are very important for us as it means we move ahead of Williams in the constructors' championship, even if we are equal on points.

“And they are also important for him, as he has had some bad luck so far this season and hopefully from now on he can deliver more good results.”