• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Mercedes

Rosberg pleased to pull away from Ferrari

ESPN Staff
November 3, 2013 « Downbeat Hamilton blames self for poor results | Middle stint costs Grosjean podium »
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Nico Rosberg said he was pleased his third place in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helped Mercedes pull away from Ferrari in the constructors' championship.

Although Red Bull took a one-two in Abu Dhabi, Rosberg's podium coupled with Lewis Hamilton finishing seventh meant Mercedes extended its advantage in the constructors' to 11 points over third-placed Ferrari. Rosberg said that had been the main aim of the weekend, even though he was disappointed to miss out on second place in the race.

"Third place is good," Rosberg said. "The aim for the weekend was to be best of the rest behind the Red Bulls and that's worked out - even though second place would have been possible in a perfect world today. Mark just got me with [Paul] di Resta. Little bit disappointing on that one but otherwise of course very happy.

"I was very happy to hear that we took some more points off [Ferrari] again and that we're edging away from them. That's the most important thing for us at the moment - just to finish second in the Constructors'. It's just much more money for next year but also motivation for everybody. If everybody in the factory can see that we built the second-best car this year, that's just a massive boost."

Having lost out to Webber on track, Rosberg explained that failing to overtake di Resta - who was yet to pit - proved costly.

"The main thing was that I got my balance wrong in the car for that second stint and that's why I just wasn't as quick as I was hoping. And I was just struggling a bit to get past the Toro Rosso and then Paul di Resta. I gave it a shot down into Turn 8, used all my KERS up and I wasn't able to do it and Mark got me on the next one. So, definitely that was unfortunate but that's the way it is. Anyway, third place is still a very good result. Lots of points."

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