Ross Brawn was all smiles after seeing his Mercedes team - with a bit of help - lock out the front row of the grid for the Chinese GP.
Nico Rosberg claimed pole position around the Shanghai circuit in emphatic style, easily half a second up on Lewis Hamilton while Michael Schumacher was third.
However, Hamilton's grid slot penalty means the Mercedes team will start Sunday's 56-lap grand prix 1-2 on the grid.
"Quite exceptional performance, particularly from Nico today," Brawn told Sky Sports F1.
"We've had a tough start to the season and we know this is not the main event, the main event's going to happen tomorrow, and I think we've still got work to do to replicate what we've been able to do today in the race. But it's a great step.
"I hadn't realised it's our first pole in such a long time, so very proud of that and the whole team is very proud of it. And a good step towards what we're trying to achieve."
Another person who was very proud of the team - and Rosberg's - achievement was his team-mate Schumacher.
The seven-time World Champ said: "I didn't think we would fight for pole position and seeing what Nico could do was a big surprise for all of is.
"It was a phenomenal lap time and I happy for him taking his first pole. It will also be the first front row of the proper Silvers Arrows."
Schumacher, though, admits it won't be an easy talk holding onto those positions come Sunday's grand prix especially as race-pace has not been Merc's strong point this season.
"It is a question mark if we can keep that position, but we will see what happens tomorrow.
"We have a question of high fuel and tyre degradation. Hopefully it will be the first proper normal race and I can get to the end."
Related Links
Qualifying: Rosberg breaks his pole duck
Saturday's gallery from Shanghai
