Nico Rosberg claims he is not worried to have trailed team-mate Lewis Hamilton by a substantial margin in qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix.
Both Mercedes drivers opened up a massive gap at the front of the field at Albert Park, with third-placed Felipe Massa finishing almost 1.4s adrift of Hamilton’s fastest time. Rosberg, who had regularly had the edge over his title rival on Saturdays in 2014, ended nearly six tenths off the reigning world champion in Melbourne. However, last year’s runner-up remains confident he can bounce back and bring the fight to Hamilton during tomorrow’s race.
“[The margin] is not indicative of the pace difference,” said Rosberg. “For sure, Lewis was quick but I didn’t get my laps together today so I'm not too worried about pace - I'm not worried about pace at all to be honest.
“The race is always a different thing and maybe I can even turn it around tomorrow. On Friday, on the long runs, my pace was very strong so I believe it can be he other way tomorrow. I'm definitely going to give it everything tomorrow and put on a good show for everybody!"
This did not prevent Rosberg from acknowledging his team-mate’s performance and congratulate him on his second Australian Grand Prix pole position in a row. Last year’s Melbourne victor also hailed his new Mercedes W06 as both cars comfortably emerged clear of the opposition.
“Lewis was on impressive form today - he did an awesome job and nailed it all the time - and then, for me, the speed was there but I just didn't get it together so it wasn’t a great day today.
“Of course I am thankful to the team for the car they have given me - its unbelievable and a real pleasure to drive. Its a pleasure to be in this situation with this team and its really great to see where we are again now, leading the pack, so P2, I have to live with that today but it is a long day tomorrow and I've still got all the chances.”
Click here for Saturday's gallery from the Australian Grand Prix
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Kimi Antonelli’s homecoming at Monza is set to begin with a painful handicap, as Mercedes…
For many, he was just a young hopeful awarded a lucky F1 break, but for…
Pierre Gasly left Zandvoort with more than just frustration over Alpine’s missed opportunity, taking aim…
Netflix is keeping the Formula 1 cameras rolling, with the streaming giant confirming that Drive…
Laurent Mekies has given Liam Lawson a ringing endorsement after the Kiwi made the most…
Fred Vasseur has heard the criticism. He has heard Lewis Hamilton’s frustration, Charles Leclerc’s confusion…