X (Twitter)X (Twitter)
FacebookFacebook
WhatsappWhatsapp

Nico Rosberg has taken the blame for his crash in FP2 in Melbourne, saying he "accelerated too much" in wet conditions.

With changing conditions prevailing all day around Albert Park, drivers were challenged to stay on course, and a few - like Rosberg - were caught out by the tricky circumstances.

The Mercedes driver hit the wall at Turn 7 during the wet second practice, which resulted in a heavily damaged front wing on the W07.

"The conditions were OK - on the edge but they were fine," Rosberg said.

"I accelerated too much and got it wrong. It was good for me that the track didn’t dry out because I didn’t’ lose any dry running as a result, so no downside from that."

As for all of his colleagues, the German driver will be forced to compress a fair amount of work into FP3 tomorrow.

"Tomorrow is going to be a big day though. We need to practice for the race and for qualifying in the morning, then we get straight into qualifying in the afternoon.

"First time on the supersofts is going to be exciting, lots of grip, new qualifying rules, all that together is going to be a lot going on.”

Asked why he stopped on track when he had almost made it back to the pits, Rosberg replied:

"Because my front wing was stuck under my car and there was a risk it could have come loose and then cause a lot of debris.

"For sure [it’s frustrating], because the car was maybe OK apart from the front wing so I was looking to get back out again in that session."

REPORT: Hamilton fastest as Rosberg crashes in FP2

Australian Grand Prix - Friday free practice as it happened

2016 F1 season: Team-by-team preview

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Lawson sets ‘clear goal’ with Red Bull for 2025

In a sport where team orders and supporting roles often define a driver’s career trajectory,…

47 mins ago

Hamilton: Ferrari the right place, 'all the ingredients to win’

Lewis Hamilton has wasted no time settling into life at Ferrari, and after his first…

15 hours ago

Briatore: Colapinto is one of Alpine’s ‘most important assets’

Alpine’s reserve driver Franco Colapinto has been heralded by Flavio Briatore as a key figure…

17 hours ago

Racing Bulls 2025-spec charger hits the track at Imola

Racing Bulls kicked off its 2025 Formula 1 campaign with the track debut of its…

18 hours ago

Alonso: Newey’s impact at Aston greater than Hamilton's at Ferrari

Fernando Alonso has offered a pointed perspective on two of Formula 1’s biggest moves: Lewis…

20 hours ago

Penske's journey from driver to The Captain

Racing legend Roger Penske turns 88 today, but don't expect the Captain to take his…

20 hours ago