Rosberg: British grand prix a turning point for Silver Arrows
Rosberg expects Mercedes to achieve further podium finishes during the second half of 2010
Friday, 16, Jul 2010 11:04
By Adam Leveridge.
Nico Rosberg believes his third place finish at the British grand prix signifies a transformation in the fortunes of Mercedes GP after a tough start to the 2010 season.
As Mercedes GP made the short trip from their factory in Brackley to Silverstone for the British grand prix, which marked the halfway point of this year's world championship, the team had a sizeable gap to bridge in order to catch Ferrari in the constructors table having achieved just two podium finishes from the previous eight races.
However, Rosberg's third podium of the season, Michael Schumacher's two points for ninth and Ferrari's failure to score at the Northamptonshire circuit, brought the Silver Arrows within sight of the Maranello-based outfit, and Rosberg is confident this result marks a turning point for his team.
"I had a good start and was happy to be up to fourth place by the end of the first lap," said Rosberg.
"Robert [Kubica] was holding me up and with Fernando [Alonso] pushing hard behind, it wasn't easy to maintain the place.
"Our strategy was really strong so thanks to the guys on the pit wall for their efforts and keeping me out on the options.
"I had a great in-lap and with the quick pit stop, it was enough to get me out ahead of Robert, and that made the podium possible.
"It's been a good effort from the team to turn our situation around after Valencia.
"We have made a step forward and analysed where we went wrong and to come away with a podium today is fantastic.
"It's a real turnaround and I am confident that there is more to come from us."
Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn praised Rosberg for driving "perfectly", however, he downplayed the overall result for the team, as Schumacher salvaged two points, after an error cost him the advantage he gained by making an early tyre stop.
"It was a very good performance from Nico and the team today," said Brawn.
"Nico had a great race and we got the maximum out of the car with a strong start, good strategy and impressive driving.
"Nico pushed as hard as he needed to and produced some great laps at the crucial time so his race went perfectly.
"Michael also had a good start and his position was looking interesting.
"We made an early pit stop to put him in fresh air, as he told us the guys around him were holding him up, but unfortunately he made a mistake and lost the advantage that we were gaining from the early stop.
"When the others made their stops, they were out in front of him, and with some damage to the car, that was really his race.
"Overall we've done a respectable job this weekend and now we just have to find some more pace.
"We're all looking forward to going back to the factory this evening with the trophy to see our team and their families."
Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug echoed Brawn's sentiments, stating that he expects Schumacher to achieve similar results sooner rather than later.
"A great race from Nico and the team. Starting from fifth position, Nico came home in third place to finish on the podium for the third time in the last eight races," said Haug.
"Our performance this weekend looked better than a fortnight ago in Valencia.
"Starting from tenth place, Michael drove a committed race and brought home points.
"I am absolutely sure that we will see similar results to Nico's podium today sooner rather than later for Michael."
Mercedes retain fourth place in the constructors table and are now 39 points adrift of Ferrari in third place, however, Renault are looking ominous in fifth.