» Rosberg: ‘I didn’t drive well enough’

Nico Rosberg has admitted that he only has himself to blame for failing to claim pole position in qualifying for Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix.

After posting the fastest time in the first and final practice sessions – and the second, rain-affected, segment of qualifying – Rosberg could only manage third in the final reckoning. He will line up behind pole-winning teammate Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.

“I just didn’t drive well enough. I’m annoyed by that,” Rosberg shrugged after qualifying. “Third place is not good for tomorrow, but that’s the way it is.

“It was quite interesting conditions out there, because there was so much grip it was unbelievable. I’ve seldom had so much grip in wet conditions. It was good to drive but not quick enough.”

Rosberg drew some consolation that he will start from what is effectively the cleaner left-hand side of the starting grid, and hopes that will prove an advantage in being able to get the jump on Vettel and challenge his teammate.

“I’m also starting on the clean side, so hopefully I can attack Sebastian, and get behind Lewis, and then race Lewis from there,” Rosberg added.

“I’m definitely looking forward to [the race] because we have such a great car. I had a good run on Friday so the race pace is good.”

Image via Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team