Rosberg describes Malaysia changes as 'unbelievable'

40

Nico Rosberg says the difference made by the resurfacing of Sepang ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix is "unbelievable".

The race organisers have changed the asphalt at Sepang as well as modifying a number of corners. As well as the new track surface, a negative camber has been added to the final corner and Rosberg says the changes have a much bigger impact than he was expecting.

“It feels totally different out there," Rosberg said. "It’s just unbelievable how just the surface of the track can transform everything, so we really had to adapt a lot today to the new conditions.

“They changed the angle of the track totally so now you have to find a new line through there and I think the best line was not even hitting the apex, you have to stay further out so it’s quite interesting.

“It’s tighter there [at the apex] so maybe the banking is a little bit more, I don’t know, but anyway you just lose grip.”

On the changes made at the final corner, Rosberg believes it should have a positive impact on racing as well as challenging drivers over one lap.

“Yeah I think it’s a good corner, I think we can learn something from that one. Even when you’re following some guy in front you can do two different lines. If you’re following closely behind you can go on the inside so there’s a little bit less grip but at least you’ll have clean air and then you can give it a go on the run down to Turn 1. So for passing it could be cool.”

And Rosberg says he is keeping an eye on Red Bull's pace but believes Mercedes has enough in hand to see off any threat at this stage.

“They’ve done a good job with the new asphalt, it feels nice to drive out there, but the track is very different so all of us had to adapt today. Our car again is going well, Red Bull had a very strong long run so we have to be a bit careful but it’s a good start to the weekend.”

FP2 REPORT: Hamilton hits back to lead Rosberg in FP2

Silbermann says ... Bugged by Liberty

Romain Grosjean exclusive column: Haas can build momentum for 2017

Chris Medland's 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix preview

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

Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.