Force India became the only team to have scored points in every race this season so far with both of their cars following a massive 22-points haul in Spain, with Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon finishing fourth and fifth respectively.
The result moves them well clear of fifth-placed Toro Rosso on 21 points compared to Force India's 53 and within touching distance of Red Bull.
Although the big haul was helped by the retirement of Kimi Raikkonen, Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen, it is an impressive feat for the Silverstone-based outfit.
"A fantastic result for everybody at Sahara Force India," said deputy team boss Bob Fernley.
"The 22 points scored strengthen our hold on fourth place in the championship and continue our 100% points-scoring record in every race this season. We are now the only team to have achieved this and that’s a huge credit to the hard work of the race team and factory.
"It was a fairly routine race from our perspective with mature drives from Sergio and Esteban. They kept their noses clean and managed their pace to bring home our best result of the year so far.
"This consistency is a real strength of the team and we can feel very satisfied with our performance over the first quarter of the season."
Ocon admitted there was some luck involved in securing his best finish yet, but was happy to make the most of the opportunities that were offered up.
"I’m really happy today," said the French rookie. "Fifth place is a great result for me and, together with Checo in fourth, a fantastic day for the team.
"The car was fast in qualifying and we were on the pace straight away yesterday. We kept pushing and we showed good speed in the race as well. Sure, there were some circumstances this afternoon that helped us, but you need to be ready to take the opportunities when they come your way."
Driver Number Fine
Force India were called to the stewards after the race, accused of failing to display their driver numbers in a visible location, as per newly enforced rules for this race, whereby driver numbers must be shown on the engine cover and nose of the car.
However the stewards deemed that Force India's didn't meet the criteria and were handed a suspended €25,000 (£21,000) fine and are required to change them for the next race in Monaco in a fortnight.
