Nico Rosberg’s pole position for the German Grand Prix was “very impressive” because he achieved it with extra fuel on board, according to Mercedes’ executive director for technical Paddy Lowe.
Rosberg had to abort his first run in Q3 due to an electronic problem then returned to the track with extra fuel on board so he could do an extra lap if he needed to. However he took pole position even with the extra fuel on board.
“An electronics problem on Nico’s car caused an engine cut-out,” Lowe explained, “with a warning message relating to his throttle pedal also appearing.”
“This, quite reasonably, caused Nico some concern, which caused him to pit immediately. Fortunately we were able to fix the problem by switching various systems to default modes, before sending him out with enough fuel for three timed laps in a single run.”
“As it turned out, he delivered pole at the first attempt with an extra two laps of fuel on board, which was very impressive – particularly in the circumstances, with his programme disrupted and the pressure on.”
Both Mercedes drivers managed to save an extra set of super-soft tyres for the race after getting through Q1 on the harder soft compound tyres.
“We chose to run the soft compound tyre in Q1 to give ourselves more strategic options for the race with a new set of super-softs available,” said Lowe.
“Sealing the top two spots on a harder compound seemed extraordinary at the time. But, as it turned out, the delta between the compounds was not that large in these conditions.”
WheelToWheel (@lolzerbob)
30th July 2016, 16:06
Really good performance from Nico today, hope he can take the fight tommorow
Mark G (@)
30th July 2016, 17:42
Yeah good job by Nico today.
He’s been on it all weekend so far and I fancy him for the win barring any major dramas, though expect Lewis to be right on his tail throughout the race.
It’ll be a far better 2nd half of the season if Nico carries some sort of a lead through the summer break.
drs
30th July 2016, 22:18
knowing nico and mercedes he’ll get passed by lewis at the start or some technical problems
Kgn11
30th July 2016, 21:10
Lewis did the same at Silverstone….. Big deal
Mr. X
30th July 2016, 23:14
And red bull developed their own engines, big deal.
MG421982 (@)
31st July 2016, 8:09
Hamilton who?!?
Ju88sy (@)
31st July 2016, 10:26
This was Rosbergs best qualifying performance, stellar lap under the circumstances.
NewVerstappenFan (@jureo)
31st July 2016, 11:02
:D Well its gonna be crazy in to turn 1.
P1 or P2, does not matter one will get a better start, then we’ll see a short drag race.
In intrest of racing, momentum is clearly with Hamilton overall, but for today’s race advantage Rosberg. I wish Nico would win and regain some of lost momentum.