Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

More lost ground for Rosberg in championship fight

Nico Rosberg failed to reduce the gap in the driver's standings with Lewis Hamilton in today's Belgian Grand Prix, losing a little more ground in the championship fight on his victorious team mate.

Rosberg had a laborious start, losing several spots on the entry to La Source and completing the first lap in 4th place. A mishap the German put down to the new launch procedure but also to the extra formation lap which occurred after the start was aborted.

"I completely messed up the start which was very annoying," Rosberg said. "But the extra formation lap put more temperature in the clutch, which changed things. But I did not do a good job."

After Rosberg settled into his race pace in second place he spent most of the afternoon playing catch-up to his team-mate, although he did succeed in reducing the gap from 8 to 3 seconds after the Virtual Safety Car period.

"After the start, I gave it absolutely everything and pulled my way through. I had a clear path in front and chased down Lewis. I was getting closer except for the one phase in the second stint towards the end when Lewis pulled away, and that definitely cost me a bit."

"We were both on the edge all the way through, the car has been amazing so I'm really thankful to the team once again. Lewis did a great job and deserved to win. I tried to give it everything, but it wasn't enough."

Rosberg's deficit over Hamilton in the driver's standings has now extended to 28 points.

Click here for a gallery of the biggest crashes at Spa-Francorchamps

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.