Michael Schumacher feels perfect planning was one of the main reasons for his P5 finish at the inaugural Indian GP.
The German started 11th on the grid but found himself P8 by the end of the opening lap. After showing some strong pace in the middle stint, the team opted to keep him out a bit longer and then used the undercut to get him ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg in P5.
Schumacher admits his excellent start was down to the decision not to use of the energy recovering system KERS right at the start of the race.
"It worked out perfectly. My plan was not to use any KERS [power-boost system] around the first few corners and save it for the straight, that worked perfectly and I was able to take some positions," he told BBC Sport.
"Normally the guys who pit first have the advantage as they can take the fresh tyres first but my tyres were in such good shape I was able to pull a gap."
The 42-year-old also paid tribute to India for putting up an excellent show.
"I have big compliments to make to India, I am pretty sure things have been difficult but the circuit is a good challenge to drive and a good spectacle," he said.
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