Schumacher expects a straightforward Grand Prix
Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher qualified in seventh and eighth places this evening at the Yas Marina Circuit ahead of Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Nico Rosberg is on the clean side of the track and could have the start advantage tomorrow.
· Nico completed one run in Q1 on prime tyres, two runs on the same set of options in Q2, and one option run in Q3
· Michael completed a prime and option run in Q1, two option runs in Q2, and one option run in Q3
· Nico and Michael both have one set of new options and two sets of new prime tyres available for the race tomorrow
Nico Rosberg, #8, MGP W02/07, P7:
"We didn't quite get the maximum from our qualifying session today which was a shame. The track temperatures dropped during the session and it became more difficult to get the tyres working. On my second run in Q3, I had too much traffic in front of me to warm the tyres up sufficiently and that hurt me on the quick lap, otherwise I think we could have been further ahead. However I'm on the good side of the grid and it should be a fun race tomorrow."
Michael Schumacher, #7, MGP W02/09, P8:
"It was quite a tight qualifying today. I aborted my last lap in Q1 to save tyres, and having some fresh tyres left is the good news from Q3 as well. Overall it was a normal qualifying where we would probably not have much more in the pocket. I also expect a straightforward race and we will try to make the most out of opportunities that arise. The tyres should not be a big issue here, and we tested their behaviour in P2 yesterday which took place at the same time as the race. The fact that the track temperatures will drop during the race might be good for us as we struggle a bit with the tyre temperatures here."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal:
"It was a reasonably straightforward qualifying session for us today with both drivers and the team doing a very good job. There was a little difference in straightline speed on Michael's car which hampered his pace in relation to Nico so we need to have a look at that and understand why. Otherwise we are in good shape for the race and looking forward to tomorrow."
Norbert Haug:
"The best possible job from our team, Nico and Michael today. We have again been mindful of our strategy in order to save tyres for the race tomorrow, and we hope this approach will be to our benefit as has been the case in recent races. We would like to take the opportunity of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to express the whole team's appreciation for our partner and co-owner Aabar which is, for our home race, also visible in increased branding on our cars. Today six Mercedes-powered cars made it into the top ten on the grid, the second time in the last five races."
