Despite setting the pace in second practice in Brazil on Friday by almost half a second, Nico Rosberg does not feel he has that kind of advantage due to using a different engine mode to that of Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team-mate Lewis Hamilton during the session.
Rosberg had finished second to his team-mate in FP1, with the team showing they are the ones to beat again this weekend, but the German driver felt he had to relearn the track due to the changes made to the kerbs at Interlagos.
“It was a good day, as we were able to test a few new things in the first session,” said Rosberg. “Times in the afternoon were not showing the real picture, as Lewis drove in different engine modes to me. He was also very quick today and it looks like we will have a great battle again this weekend.
“Besides this, we also had to learn the track because there are some quite major changes with the new kerbs.
“It’s always great to be back on this fantastic circuit. The atmosphere is great, there’s so much history and the fans are very enthusiastic.
“I have great memories from last year, when I was able to win here for the first time. So I very much look forward to qualifying and the race.”
