Nico Rosberg felt it was a positive start to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend as he finished second to team-mate Lewis Hamilton in both free practice sessions around the Yas Marina Circuit on Friday.
The Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team racer goes into this weekend knowing a podium finish is all he needs to clinch his maiden World Drivers’ Championship, with the German twelve points ahead of Hamilton, and Rosberg started the weekend well by finishing both sessions behind only his rival.
Rosberg feels he needs to address some issues that affected his W07 Hybrid overnight to try and get to the front, especially when it comes to the graining of his front tyres that he faced in the cooler conditions that the second session in particular.
“A decent start to the weekend,” said Rosberg. “Straight away the car started off with a balance that was in the right area.
“It’s always interesting going from hot conditions to cooler ones between the afternoon and evening sessions. Adapting to that and knowing what to expect can be a challenge but our car was working well in both conditions, on low and high fuel.
“Graining on the front tyres when they’re cold is the main thing we need to get to grips with in preparation for the race.”
