Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg unhappy with the pace of Mercedes: Formula One news
Mercedes’ drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg have admitted that their cars didn’t have the pace to challenge rivals in the Malaysian Grand Prix. Both the German drivers finished the race in ninth and 12th place respectively. Although
the team were able to score their maiden points of the Formula One 2011 season, no one was pleased with the outcome.
Commenting on his race, Schumacher stated, “The start was quite good and then it was mainly about managing the tyres. We probably couldn't have expected to take more than two points today and we certainly have to work on our race pace which is not yet where
we want it to be.”
The seven-time Formula One champion further added that the team would not be bothered about what has happened so far, but would look to improve for the remainder season.
Schumacher’s team-mate Rosberg said, “I had a poor start and lost positions which made it very difficult to try and get into the points. Our race pace was not good enough, and it was very difficult to push, so unfortunately we could not perform at the level
that we wanted to here.”
Other than the drivers, team principal Ross Brawn was also unhappy with Mercedes' position this season. He said that the team was unable to provide a strong car to the drivers, which saw them struggle throughout the weekend.
However, Brawn claimed that the team could have gained a couple of more positions in the race. Mercedes was expecting rain during race day, due to which the team decided to stay on the track for longer stints. Things didn’t work out as planned for the German
team, as there was no rain at Sepang. This cost the drivers a lot of time, as the Pirelli tyres were not consistent on longer stints due to the hot weather in Malaysia.
After a dismal start to the season in Australia, Mercedes promised a lot in the Malaysian GP. The team was consistent during the practice session on Friday and Saturday morning. The start to the qualifying session was also a good one for both Schumacher
and Rosberg.
However, the situation changed in the second session of qualifying. Schumacher, who had clocked the fourth fastest time in Q1, was unable to progress beyond Q2 due to issues with his rear wing. His lap time was ruined and he had to settle for 11th
position on the grid.
Rosberg’s problems started from Q3, as he also had a similar problem with his car. The young German was unable to challenge the top five runners and ended up only ninth fastest.
Other than issues during qualifying, the German giants have also found it hard to find consistency on longer stints. The team have the resource and drivers to fight for podiums though, and they will be eying an improved show in the Chinese Grand Prix, which
takes place from 15th to 17th April.
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