• Bahrain Grand Prix Qualifying

Rosberg disappointed after aiming for pole

Nico Rosberg wanted to qualify on pole © Getty Images

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• Bahrain Grand Prix 2010 Qualifying

Report - First blood to Vettel | Qualifying gallery

Nico Rosberg said he was disappointed not to be challenging for pole on Saturday after winding up fifth on the grid.

He was the fastest driver during Friday practice but when it came to low-fuel qualifying his Mercedes was off the pace. He said his expectations had been set very high coming into the session but the softer tyres, used by all the front runners, had proved to be problematic in the hot conditions.

"I am disappointed for two reasons," Rosberg told the BBC. "I was actually hoping for pole position to be honest, I was convinced that I could do it today. But we were missing a little bit of pace to do that. And then I should have been fourth I think. But it was so difficult out there with the tyres over-heating. If you got oversteer you overheated the tyres and then the next couple of corners were just game over. It was really challenging. I think tyres are going to be one of the main factors tomorrow. That's why we all went on the option, because it is just a better race tyre for the start and for the first couple of laps."

His team-mate Michael Schumacher qualified seventh after three years out of the sport.

"I am satisfied with seventh place today having been away from Formula One for such a long time," he said. "By coincidence, it's the same grid position that I had when I started my career at Spa in 1991. It was fun to work with my new team and I appreciate all their efforts to support me as I get back into the swing of things. The boys are really good and I feel that we've improved step-by-step over the weekend. I'm looking forward to the race and I expect even more to come."

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