Paul Di Resta claimed a point in the opening race of the Formula One season after a thrilling final lap.

The Bathgate-born racer edged out Jean-Eric Vergne to claim tenth place in Melbourne as he aims to build on his successful debut campaign in 2011.

“It was a pretty exciting final lap but what a good way to start the season,” Di Resta said.

Team deputy Robert Fernley said: “He did an excellent job to grab the final point in a dash to the line.”

The race was won by Britain’s Jenson Button as reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel finished in second place.

Button’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton was third while Di Resta’s fellow Force India driver Nico Hulkenburg was forced to retire after being hit during the first lap of the race.

Malaysia is the venue for next weekend's Grand Prix, a race where Di Resta finished tenth last season.