Nasr expects points to help him in Sauber talks

Nasr gave the Swiss squad its first points of the 2016 season at Interlagos, where he put on a strong race to finish in ninth position.

The two points scored elevated Sauber to 10th in the standings ahead of Manor.

Unless the British team can fight back in this weekend's finale, Sauber is set for a big financial boost as a result of beating its rivals.

Nasr, who is still in talks with Sauber over a 2017 drive, believes the points should help him in his negotiations with the team.

"I would expect that it does help for sure," said Nasr on Thursday. "If anything a racing driver can do is contribute to a team with points.

"I know these points are valuable, what they mean in championship and resources the team will make for 2017 so it's the best I could have given them."

The Brazilian driver admitted finally managing to score the first points of the season was a big boost for the team after such a tough year.

"We saw the two sides of the coin – the first year I had in F1 I was able to achieve so much," he added.

"The second one was such a difficult time, with the car being uncompetitive, but it was nice that we were able to get those points in Brazil and I am sure that has given a boost to the team.

"The points mean a lot for myself and the team and hopefully we will know [the future] it soon."