Mercedes GP impress in Friday practice sessions of Chinese Grand Prix – Formula 1 news
The two Mercedes GP drivers Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher put up a much-improved performance as they secured the 4th and 5th places respectively after the second Friday practice session of the Chinese Grand Prix.
Earlier in the 2011 Formula 1 season, Mercedes GP struggled in Australia and Malaysia and could not challenge any top team of the sport.
According to the results of P2, both of the drivers were just around 5 tenths of a second slower than Sebastian Vettel’s fastest time of the session which is a big achievement for Mercedes GP after the first two disappointing weekends of the season.
The team looked extremely promising during the pre-season testing period and it seemed that they would potentially challenge for both the titles. However, after the season opening race in Australia, Mercedes GP fell way behind the top running teams when
both of their drivers retired from the race.
Nevertheless, the two drivers are confident about the upcoming weekend and they feel that the team made a breakthrough in improving their car.
“Today we made a small step forward, particularly this morning where we learnt some positive things with the car compared to Malaysia. The balance was quite good today, and I really enjoy driving this track. We don't really know where we are right now, and
of course what everyone was doing, but today's running gives me hope for an improved performance tomorrow,” said Rosberg.
Michael Schumacher on the other hand believes that the team had a very good working day.
“We've had a good working day here during the first outings on the Shanghai track. We have changed our working approach this weekend, and I think this has paid off,” said the seven-time Formula 1 world champion.
With an impressive performance by Mercedes GP, the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix promises to be a thriller. Let’s see if Schumacher or Rosberg manage a podium finish and challenge McLaren or Red Bull.
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