Rosberg credits “great getaway” for Sakhir win

Bahrain Grand Prix winner Nico Rosberg says his second victory of the 2016 F1 season stemmed mostly from his “great gateway”, as the Mercedes driver beat pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton off the line.

Comfortably leading into the first corner meant Rosberg was able to escape the melee behind, which saw the fast-starting Williams of Valtteri Bottas collide with Hamilton.

GALLERY: Bahrain Grand Prix 

Two weeks after being overhauled by the Ferraris when the lights went out in Melbourne, the Sakhir victor was satisfied to avoid a repeat of that scenario.

“The key was really the start,” Rosberg said. “I got a great getaway and from then I tried to control the pace. I am very happy with how the race went today. It’s absolutely awesome to get another win.

“We have been working a lot on starts so I am pleased that it worked out so well for me on the dirty side of the grid.”

Rosberg went on to deliver a steady performance, only relinquishing his lead for a couple of laps during his third and final pit stop.

“We played it safe in case there was a safety car or something,” he added. “We went for a safe strategy, not a fast strategy, just to cover all eventualities.”

The German is now on a five-race winning streak since last year’s Mexican Grand Prix. Bahrain also was his 16th career victory, which draws Rosberg level with the great Sir Stirling Moss – the most successful driver not to win a world title.

Asked whether that gave him an extra boost of confidence, an unfazed Rosberg replied: “It's awesome but I'm not thinking about it - I'm just taking it race by race. It's great to win here today, that's two wins on the trot, but I'm only thinking of the next race in China.

“It is a good moment because we had a good car today, but it’s is not something I think about. I'm not thinking about it right at this moment, I'm just thinking about this season and it's two wins now in a row, good points. That's where my focus is, five wins or three wins, it doesn't make a difference.”

With a perfect score of 50 points, Rosberg leads team-mate Hamilton by 17 points after the opening two races of the 2016 season.

RACE REPORT: Rosberg beats Raikkonen to win in Bahrain

AS IT HAPPENED: Bahrain Grand Prix

GALLERY: Sakhir podium

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Julien Billiotte

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