Nico Rosberg expects a difficult Bahrain Grand Prix despite claiming pole position for tomorrow’s race.
The Mercedes driver set a fastest lap of 1m32.330s ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso in a car which seemed unable to match the pace of the front runners throughout free practice.
Following the qualifying session, Vettel described his compatriot as ‘unbeatable’, but Rosberg expects a different story tomorrow given Mercedes’ lack of pace in the previous sessions. He also expects tire wear to play a major role in the race.
“It's difficult to say if we have enough pace to win tomorrow,” he said. “It will be difficult, especially with the rear tyres, and we know that other teams were stronger than us on the long runs on Friday.
It will be a big challenge to stay ahead but starting from the front helps”
However, the pole sitter will be trying to convert his third pole position into his second win for the team.
“We are going to try and [and win, but] I look forward to starting first,” he said.
The Mercedes driver set a fastest lap of 1m32.330s ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso in a car which seemed unable to match the pace of the front runners throughout free practice.
Following the qualifying session, Vettel described his compatriot as ‘unbeatable’, but Rosberg expects a different story tomorrow given Mercedes’ lack of pace in the previous sessions. He also expects tire wear to play a major role in the race.
“It's difficult to say if we have enough pace to win tomorrow,” he said. “It will be difficult, especially with the rear tyres, and we know that other teams were stronger than us on the long runs on Friday.
It will be a big challenge to stay ahead but starting from the front helps”
However, the pole sitter will be trying to convert his third pole position into his second win for the team.
“We are going to try and [and win, but] I look forward to starting first,” he said.