- Hungarian GP - FP2
Rosberg expected rivals to be closer
Nico Rosberg is surprised Mercedes had a half-second advantage over the rest of the field at the Hungarian Grand Prix as he finished second to team-mate Lewis Hamilton in Friday practice.
Mercedes has been dominant all year, but on paper the tight and twisty Hungaroring does not play to the strengths of the W05 Hybrid. However, Hamilton's best time was still 0.629s clear of Sebastian Vettel in third, which Rosberg said came as a surprise.
"It seems that we are quick today, which is surprising because I thought the engine wouldn't count for much on this track," he said. "I thought the others would be much closer, especially Red Bull. It seems like we're quick and that's great to see."
FRIC suspension systems were removed from all cars in Germany, which was believed to have a greater impact on Mercedes than its rivals, but Rosberg said it seems to have worked the other way.
"If anything it has given us an advantage which is awesome to see for now, although I don't know about tomorrow."
In the battle with his team-mate, Rosberg said it would be important to get pole position on Saturday.
"I have to focus more on qualifying here because it's important to be ahead. It's like a city track here because there are so many corners and bumps and kerbs and no straights to relax."
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