An emotional but relieved Davide Valsecchi spoke about what it meant to wrap up the GP2 Asia Series title with races to spare in Bahrain.

He was speaking after winning the first race of round three of the GP2 Asia Series to clinch the driver's title.

"I didn't want to be the driver who loses the championship at the last race. So I knew it was in my best interest to win the Series with one round before the end of the season."

Valsecchi went on to explain how he continued to perform at the highest level despite facing increasing pressure with each passing week - something he had not been accustomed to doing very much in his career.

"Normally, in my career, I was never in that position. It was new to me. It was the first time that I am so competitive and in position to win the championship. So for this weekend, I put too much pressure on myself I think because I came here one week earlier to train in the heat and be well prepared. That was a bit crazy!"

For Valsecchi, it was the hard work that trumped the pressure that enabled him to be able to grasp his first ever series title - a feat that he says, has made him more confident on the track.

Even with the win, do not expect Valsecchi to lose his edge going forward. He made his message clear when asked how he plans to celebrate his victory.

"I will not party anyway. I am still very focused on doing a good job in the main series and keeping the pace. It will not be easy and we are prepared for some tough times as well."

With a 41 point lead over their next closest competitors, Valsecchi's iSport International look poised to claim the GP2 Asia Team Title this season.