• Spanish Grand Prix - Qualifying

Rosberg expects better race pace

ESPNF1 Staff
May 21, 2011 « KERS problem persuaded Schumacher not to run in Q3 | »
Nico Rosberg: "I believe we can aim to be better than in Istanbul" © Sutton Images
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Mercedes and Nico Rosberg are confident of another top five finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, despite qualifying seventh for Sunday's race.

Rosberg has finished fifth at the last two races, but started from a higher grid position at both. Nevertheless he is confident Mercedes recent focus on improving its long run pace will pay dividends in Sunday's race.

"With our focus on the race pace this weekend, it was to be expected that we might suffer a little in qualifying," he said. "However I am not too disappointed with seventh place as we should be stronger in the race tomorrow, and I believe we can aim to be better than in Istanbul. I have one set of new tyres left which is good for us, and I hope that we can move up with the right strategy."

Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug said Rosberg got the best from the car and would be in a good position to attack the cars in front on Sunday.

"Our strategy in qualifying concentrated from lap one on saving tyres for the race and that is what we have achieved today, albeit probably to the cost of a better place on the grid," he said. "Nico got the best possible result under these circumstances. "Our aim is to repeat what we have achieved in the last two races; to be placed in the top five at the finish line."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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