A suspension failure during final practice for Nico Rosberg put himself and the team on the back foot heading into qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix, but the German responded well to qualify second fastest.
The crash that followed his suspension issue meant his Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team were forced to change the gearbox on his W07 Hybrid, meaning a five place grid penalty, with Rosberg now set to line-up sixth on the grid.
Rosberg believes he can make a move up the field during Sunday’s race at the Red Bull Ring in what he expects to be an exciting race, and is hoping to still be able to put in a challenge to his pole sitting team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
“It was a huge team effort today, with both sides of the garage working together to get my damaged car ready for qualifying,” said Rosberg. “It was a tricky session with the rain and the perfect lap didn’t quite come together which meant Lewis was quicker.
“The five place grid penalty will be costly as Lewis will start from the front tomorrow and it will be tough to fight through the other cars with the ultra-soft. It will definitely be an exciting race, though, and there’s still a lot to play for.”
