• Bahrain Grand Prix - Qualifying

Rosberg sacrifices qualifying set-up for race pace

ESPNF1 Staff
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Nico Rosberg completed just one lap in Q3 to save a set of soft tyres for the race © Sutton Images
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Nico Rosberg revealed he sacrificed some qualifying pace to help his race set-up on Saturday at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

After taking pole and dominating the last race in China, Rosberg looked likely to be quick again in China after topping the final two practice sessions ahead of qualifying. But he could only manage fifth on the grid when it came down to Q3, 0.399s off Sebastian Vettel on pole, and has both Red Bulls and both McLarens starting ahead of him.

"It's very nice to be disappointed by a fifth place, but that's how far we've come now," he said. "However, as we have been focusing on our race pace, there is always a compromise in the qualifying set-up. I think that I'm in a good position for the race for tomorrow."

Rosberg only completed one flying lap in Q3 in order to save tyres and is hoping that will pay off in the race.

"I am the only driver in the top five who has a set of new option tyres which can be very useful at this circuit. It will be very important to drive carefully, and find the right tyre management in the race, as the conditions are very tough out there."

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