Satisfaction and determination reign at Mercedes
Mercedes admitted that its Saturday qualifying session at Hockenheim went better than expected, even though Audi is on the front row of the starting grid. Bruno Spengler is nearly four-tenths of a second behind poleman Timo Scheider, but the Canadian will start the race from the third position with his HWA teammate, Paul di Resta, […]
Mercedes admitted that its Saturday qualifying session at Hockenheim went better than expected, even though Audi is on the front row of the starting grid.
Bruno Spengler is nearly four-tenths of a second behind poleman Timo Scheider, but the Canadian will start the race from the third position with his HWA teammate, Paul di Resta, alongside him on the second row.
However, the head of Mercedes-Benz, Norbert Haug, believes that his team made real progress between Friday’s tests where the four brand-new Audi A4s were in front and the qualifying sessions.
« I did not expect this result after Friday’s day. We made a step forward. Essentially, I am relaxed and happy, » said Haug.
« Of course, Audi is ahead, so congratulations to them. We still have to regroup because if we take another step forward like we did in qualifying, I think we should be good in the race. »
Spengler added that he expected to see a Mercedes team in better shape for the race.
« I imagine that Audi had a bit more grip to qualify on the front row. On the other hand, there is disappointment, because you give more than 100% to get the pole position, and unfortunately it doesn’t work out.
« But the weekend is very long, we are only at 50% of our potential. A lot can happen in the race and I think we have a solid package, » he concluded.
