Rosberg concedes top spot to 'faster' Ricciardo

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Nico Rosberg was second fastest in today Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session, just, 0.169 seconds behind poleman Daniel Ricciardo.

The current championship leader, who has been wary of a challenge by Ricciardo and Red Bull in the Principality since the event got underway on Thursday, offered no excuses, simply admitting the faster driver had prevailed.

The German driver's slight brush with the barrier on the exit of the swimming pool did not lead to any particular consequence.

And when asked where it had all gotten away from him at the end when it counted, Rosberg merely offered a laconic reply.

"I don't think it went away from me, it never was with me," Rosberg said.

"Daniel was just quick today, they got a well-deserved pole, and that's it. I just wasn't quick enough."

With poleman Ricciardo betting on a tyre strategy that will see him start the race the more durable but harder super-soft Pirelli rubber, Rosberg on the other hand will be looking to take advantage of his ultra-soft shod Mercedes to perhaps get the better of the Red Bull off the line.

"The start is going to be important and maybe I can get one back on him because he beat me off the startline in China because he had a softer tyre than me and I had a harder tyre at the time.

"Maybe now it's the reverse and I'll try to get one back on him. Of course the run down to Turn 1 is very short, so I'll try but can't count on that too much.

"After that it's still a long race and I'll need to keep the pressure on."

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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.