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F1 Bahrain GP: Rosberg: It’s tough out there…

Nico Rosberg says a move to restrict radio traffic communications did make the Australian Grand Prix a different challenge, but he feels it is a positive move by the sport.

Rosberg won the opening round of the season despite having to manage a brake problem without the standard meticulous assistance from Mercedes, an issue the team says was serious enough for it to consider retiring the German even though he was leading at the time.

Nonetheless, a change of driving style to compensate for the problem allowed Rosberg to retain his lead and continue on to victory, saying he thinks giving the drivers more autonomy in the car is a good move for the sport.

"The new radio rules make things quite a big challenge. It's tough out there - and for me it's a good direction we've taken, giving the drivers more responsibility. The important thing is whether it's what the fans want to see, so we need to listen to them."

Looking ahead to the Bahrain Grand Prix, like team-mate Lewis Hamilton, Rosberg admits he expects Ferrari - which were strong at the Sakhir venue last year - to be up there again.

"We've stepped up our game once again with a fantastic car. But Ferrari were a real threat all weekend in Melbourne and it's clear that we've got a big battle on our hands, so we have to keep pushing very hard.

"It's Bahrain next - a track which always seems to provide entertainment for me! I've had some great battles there in the last two years with Lewis and also the Ferraris, so I'm expecting more of the same this time and very much looking forward to that.

"It was great to win the first race - but the aim is to come out on top at every step of the way this season, starting this weekend. There's a long way to go...

Zdroj: crash.net