• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Understeer prevented Rosberg attacking Massa

ESPNF1 Staff
November 13, 2011 « Schumacher suffers late puncture | Sutil praises strategy switch »
Nico Rosberg held off Michael Schumacher early in the race before closing on Felipe Massa in fifth © Getty Images
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Nico Rosberg said a lack of front-end grip stopped him taking the fight to Felipe Massa for fifth place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Rosberg closed in on the Ferrari in the final stages after Massa spun at turn one and lost time. However, the Mercedes driver said he couldn't capitalise on the situation due to understeer on the medium compound tyres.

"It was an interesting race for me today," he said. "The start didn't work out very well as I tried to overtake Felipe but suddenly there was no space left. Michael was able to overtake me, and we had a fun battle before I took the place back. From then, I was able to handle my tyre situation very well. I stayed out a bit longer before the second stop as there was some grip left, and it was better to stay out with the softer tyres. With the prime tyres, I had some understeer which made it impossible to overtake Felipe towards the end."

Rosberg said he was satisfied with his car all weekend and is hoping for more of the same at the final race in Brazil.

"Thanks to my engineering team who did a brilliant job here and I was quite happy with my car all weekend," he added. "Our pit stop guys were also great again, and that's why we achieved a good result today. It makes me look forward to Brazil and hopefully we can achieve another good result there."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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