Saturday: We weren’t on the track at the right time at Mercedes GP
Mercedes GP brought a few updates to their car for this weekend, but the changing weather conditions did not allow the German team to make the most of them during the qualifying session. The Mercedes GP drivers were not on track at the right time, which cost them time and therefore positions on the grid.
Nico Rosberg – 9th:
We made good progress with our package this weekend but 9th is not the best we could do today. At the end of Q2, I was 5th but on my last lap in Q3 the track was wet in turn 15 and I couldn’t improve in the last sector. With the car’s pace, hopefully we can gain a few positions in the race tomorrow.
Michael Schumacher – 12th:
« The qualifying didn’t go very well today but I’m not frustrated because I know why. Due to the uncertain weather and in order to not take any risks in the rain, we went out early and maybe it was too early. On my last lap the tires were already worn and I struggled, especially in turn 6, which cost me time to get into the top 10. It has nothing to do with the gearbox issues we had this morning. Let’s see what is possible to do from the 13th place with fresh tires available. Maybe a bit of rain could help. »
Ross Brawn:
« We did very few laps on dry tracks with our new package this weekend and also had to deal with the changes in engine regulations. The rain in the last sector prevented Nico from setting a better lap at the end of Q3, which would have made a difference in our starting position. »
Michael lost 7 hundredths in a very tight battle in Q2, but it was an uneven session where we didn’t take to the track at the right time. Today was the first step in using the new exhausts and we are still finding our way.
