Nico Rosberg has called his victory at the season opening Australian Grand Prix “a perfect start” to the new season, despite acknowledging the ominous signs that Ferrari could be a threat to Mercedes supremacy in 2016.
“It’s early days but it’s the perfect start,” Rosberg stated when speaking to Mark Webber during the podium interviews. “We have to keep an eye on the red guys. It was a great fight and a great race and it’s a kickstart to the season.”
After both Silver Arrows slipped behind the Ferrari’s at turn one, the team decided to fit the medium compound tyres during the red flag period. This meant that when the race resumed, both Rosberg and Hamilton could avoid making another pit-stop.
In regards to the strategy, he admitted: “I was a bit worried when we restarted with the medium tyres because I was worried they might be a bit cold.” With the medium emerging as an excellent race tyre and the W07 performing as effectively as usual on the compound, it proved the race winning move.
With Rosberg hanging onto Sebastian Vettel’s supersoft shod Ferrari throughout the next stint, the former earned track position when Ferrari eventually made their final pit-stop of the day. A clear track afforded Nico a clear path to victory.
The win is Rosberg’s fourth in succession, building on his string of top step appearances stretching back to late October 2015.
Hamilton topped each session leading up to the race, hence victory for Rosberg is significant in halting the Brit’s early season momentum. It was three wins in the first four races for Hamilton which gave him the impetus to take the 2015 title early, and at a canter.
Rosberg’s 15th career victory has come at a crucial juncture of the compelling Mercedes inter-team rivalry.
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