• Chinese Grand Prix - FP2

Tyre degradation is Rosberg's main concern

Looking after tyres will be a key element of this weekend's grand prix © Sutton Images

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• Race:
• Chinese Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Nico Rosberg

• Teams:
• Mercedes

After showing impressive one-lap pace during Friday practice for the Chinese Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg says Mercedes' main focus is managing tyre degradation over longer runs this weekend.

Rosberg topped the morning practice session and was fourth fastest in the afternoon but struggled with degradation over longer runs. The soft tyres were particularly difficult to manage and Rosberg is hoping Mercedes can work on that ahead of qualifying and the race.

"It was good to be back on the track here in Shanghai where I have experienced some really good moments in my career," he said. "I felt very comfortable in the car and it was a productive day for us, we definitely learnt a lot. We looked good on one lap, but there is some work still to do on the longer runs. Tyre degradation was particularly high on the option tyre out there today. So we need to analyse this and decide what is best to do in the race."

Team principal Ross Brawn said the team was happy with its start to the weekend.

"We've had a pretty good day here in Shanghai. There were a number of items that we wanted to evaluate and the programme has gone well. The car seems to have a good balance, the feedback from the drivers was positive, and I'm pleased with the race preparation that we have been able to complete. We can see where the challenges are for this weekend and tyre life is certainly going to require some attention. We need to do a good job tonight and then we should be able to have a reasonable final practice and qualifying session tomorrow."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.