Nico Rosberg admits he still has “a bit of work to do” in order to match Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton’s pace after Friday practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The current F1 points leader was 0.230s behind his team-mate in the morning session and managed to close the gap down to just 0.030s in FP2, as Mercedes continues to have the legs on its rivals at Interlagos.
“Three hundredths is pretty close,”Rosberg said. “It doesn’t mean anything, Friday. Lewis was quick in general so I’ve still got a bit of work to do. I was feeling good out there, I had a good balance on one lap and also for the long run it was working well.
“So a decent start to the weekend but it was very hot out there today and its forecasted to get a lot colder, so we probably won’t be able to use much of what we learned today for the rest of the weekend. But let’s see.”
With a 19-point edge over Hamilton in the Drivers’ standings, Rosberg can win his first world title as early as this Sunday should he win the race.
“Of course, the adrenaline is building up throughout the weekend, but that’s normal,” the German replied when asked whether he was feeling nervous. “It peaks just before qualifying and the race, and that’s a good thing as it gets me focused, concentrated, raring to go and everything. So it’s good for performance.”
Rosberg can afford to settle for second place across the final two races of the season and still seal the crown, but the 31-year-old, who has topped only one session since last month's Japanese Grand Prix, vows to sign off his strong 2016 campaign in fine style.
“I’m still trying to be the fastest and still trying to win on Sunday.
“I want to win properly.”
Rosberg has won the past two editions of the Brazilian GP from pole position, defeating Hamilton on both occasions.
FP2 REPORT: 0.030s separate title rivals in FP2 at Interlagos
Romain Grosjean column: Time for Haas to raise its game
Chris Medland's 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix
FEATURE: What Rosberg need to do to win the title in Brazil
INTERVIEW: Fernando Alonso: Why F1 is no longer just for heroes
TECHNICAL: Under the skin of the Ferrari SF16-H
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