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F1 Australian GP: Rosberg counts cost of damage but not time

Nico Rosberg admits he was fortunate conditions didn't improve during FP2 for the Australian Grand Prix after he crashed out early and damaged his Mercedes.

The German was the first of the two Mercedes' drivers to hit the track in a sodden FP2, but accelerated too aggressively out of turn six, aquaplaning the W07 into the outside wall of turn seven

Damaging the new front-wing, Rosberg attempted to nurse it back to the pit lane with the wing lodged under the car, but was told by the team to park up for fear of it shattering and causing debris. Despite the pricey set-back, however, Rosberg didn't lose out much track as conditions didn't improve substantially.

"The conditions were ok -- on the edge but they were fine. I accelerated too much and got it wrong. It was good for me that the track didn't dry out because I didn't' lose any dry running as a result, so no downside from that.

Despite the error, Rosberg says he is pleased with the balance of the car, but admits there are some unknowns to consider with a short preparation time for qualifying.

"I'm very comfortable, the car is going well. Of course it's a different track so tomorrow morning we need to use the opportunity to adapt as well as possible to these conditions.

"Tomorrow is going to be a big day though. We need to practice for the race and for qualifying in the morning, then we get straight into qualifying in the afternoon. First time on the super-softs is going to be exciting, lots of grip, new qualifying rules, all that together is going to be a lot going on."

Team-mate Lewis Hamilton topped both free practice sessions.

Zdroj: crash.net