- Japanese GP - Qualifying
Rain might just make us stronger - Rosberg
Nico Rosberg thinks the forecast rain from Typhoon Phanfone might only serve to extend Mercedes' advantage over the field after he took pole at Suzuka.
Rosberg turned in a faultless lap at the end of Q3 to improve on his provisional pole time and stay ahead of team-mate and title rival Lewis Hamilton - with the nearest challenger over half a second behind. The prospect of rain tomorrow means the race could start, and even finish, behind the safety car but Rosberg is not worried by Mercedes' pace if there is able to be a race.
"I'm prepared as I can be [for rain] - we are expecting it to be wet," Rosberg said. "The last experience we have in the wet is Spa, where our car was really quick so we're optimistic even if it rains, it could be even better for us. For sure, the more windy it is, the more difficult it is because the cars are more sensitive to wind, but it will be fine."
Although he is confident about Mercedes' outright pace in the wet, he thinks it could nullify the effect of pole somewhat.
"For sure, it's better to be first than second so it's some sort of an advantage. If it's dry it's more of an advantage, less so if it's wet, but I'm happy with pole."
Rosberg lost the championship lead last time out at Singapore but he insists the last race was not weighing on his mind this weekend.
"I'm not thinking about Singapore at all anymore, I'm here at Suzuka to try and win. It was a great day today, of course it's only one step on the way. It was a real pleasure today because the track was so great to drive, and especially on this track which is the most spectacular - n qualifying, on low-fuel and everything, it's been very cool."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
