Rosberg: “We will get there”
By scoring eight points, Rosberg salvaged the situation in Montreal and doesn't lose too much ground on the championship leaders. Enough to approach the rest of the season with undiminished optimism.
Before Canada, the Mercedes team was considered a strong favorite on the Gilles Villeneuve track. But they quickly had to face disappointment. Whether in qualifying or in the race, the F1 W03s were never able to compete for the top positions. However, by finishing in 6th place, Rosberg salvaged the situation and only conceded 21 points to Hamilton in the provisional drivers’ championship standings over the first 7 races.
« These are still good points and in the last five races I am the one who scored the most along with Vettel, » comments the Mercedes driver in his traditional post-Grand Prix video.
Once this fact is highlighted, it is not surprising that Nico Rosberg displays a bright optimism for the continuation of hostilities. « I am confident for the future and for what will happen this season. I will continue to attack. We will make it in the upcoming races, and we will make it in the championship. »
The key this season is tire management. As seen this weekend in Canada, good management of the Pirelli tires with settings that help preserve the rubber remains the best strategy to move up in the rankings. Since Melbourne, Mercedes has made good progress in this area, but there is still work to be done, according to Rosberg: « I think those who only stopped once had the advantage. They managed to preserve their tires and they were able to overtake me. It was simply a better strategy than mine, » analyzes the German driver.
« Our car could not have made a single stop so that is what we need to work on: to become even better at tire management. »
On paper, the Valencia track should suit the Mercedes AMG well, but nothing is ever guaranteed this season…
