• Chinese Grand Prix - Qualifying

Rosberg pleased with 'improved' car

ESPNF1 Staff
April 16, 2011 « I'm in a strong position - Hamilton | »
Nico Rosberg was comfortably quicker than Ferrari during qualifying © Sutton Images
Enlarge

Nico Rosberg said he was pleased with Mercedes' performance after qualifying in fourth position for the Chinese Grand Prix.

Having endured a frustrating start to the season and yet to score a point, Rosberg was much more competitive in Shanghai, managing to outqualify both Ferraris of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. He said he was happy with the improved car and paid tribute to the team for the progress that it had made.

"I'm happy with our performance and it was a good day for us," Rosberg said. "It's clear that we have improved the car this weekend and I'm really pleased for everybody back at the factory who will have enjoyed watching that today."

Rosberg was just under a second off of Sebastian Vettel's pole position time and within 0.3s of the McLarens, but warned that Mercedes couldn't be satisfied with where they found themselves having had ambitions of challenging for race wins this season.

"We're still not where we want to be but we have made progress and are closer to some of the guys in front of us, today at least. We have also worked hard on the race pace so there is every chance of a good race tomorrow."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
ESPN Staff Close