Nico has himself to blame
Mercedes driver’s error in the opening lap of the Russian GP costs him a potential win
MARUSSIA PLAN BIANCHI TRIBUTE
SOCHI: Nico Rosberg had only himself to blame for a first lap error at the Russian Grand Prix that allowed Mercedes team mate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton to romp to a fourth win in a row on Sunday.
“I just went completely wrong and I don’t understand it,” said the German, now 17 points adrift of the Briton with three races remaining in what amounts to a private duel between the two for the Formula One title.
“It was actually an easy situation. It’s just the first time at this track, first time down there with 160kg (of fuel) in the tank. I just got it wrong completely.”
The pair had lined up together on the front row, with Hamilton on pole position, for the inaugural race at Sochi. Rosberg got himself alongside Hamilton but then locked up as he braked, a puff of smoke highlighting the damage to the tyres before he went wide and outside the track limits.
When the team told him to hand back the place to the Briton, Rosberg informed them that he would have to pit instead.
“It was just a mistake on my side, braked too late and that’s it. Very unnecessary because it was my corner and I should have been in the lead after that. So, obviously very disappointed with that,” he said.
“After that my tyres were just square. They were vibrating so much I couldn’t see where I was going so I knew that I had to pit.”
When he rejoined the race, he was in 20th place and facing 52 laps on the same set of medium tyres -- a big ask in the circumstances. Not only did he do it, he clawed his way back to second in an impressive act of damage limitation. FUTURE DECISION WILL SEEM OBVIOUS: ALONSO Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso gave a teasing hint about his Formula One future on Sunday by saying the decision would seem obvious once announced and he was unlikely to drive for a Mercedes-powered team.
“I’m not in a hurry...i understand the curiosity, and I understand, for the fans, the news that can be around the future,” the Spaniard told reporters at the inaugural Russian Grand Prix.
“But do not worry, do not worry. Just relax, enjoy, and when it’s time to know it, you will know it.
“My mind is set, for the last two or three months, and when you know you will understand
that probably it was very obvious what I would do,” added the double world champion.
Alonso said “I don’t think so” when asked if he would be driving for a team with Mercedes engines.
That would appear to leave only a return to Mclaren, who are starting a new partnership with Honda, or staying at Ferrari.