Rosberg: Mercedes can only play for podium in India

Nico Rosberg almost helplessly watches the domination of Red Bull de Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber who finished first in the first two free practice sessions of the Indian Grand Prix. With the Lotus of Romain Grosjean, Lewis Hamilton was the closest of the Austrian single-seaters even if he finished almost 7 tenths behind the reference time. The second pilot Mercedes is even further behind since he ranked 6th, almost 9 tenths behind the first time.

While the Red Bulls seemed to be in difficulty with the soft tires, observing a bubbling phenomenon and premature wear, the Milton Keynes cars still seem to be above the fray. “We are fighting for 3rd place because the Red Bulls are just too fast. It’s playable, there’s a lot of work ahead of us but I’m confident.”, recognized the son of the 1982 world champion who is focused on the fight for 2nd place in the Manufacturers' Championship. “There is no question of playing for pole because the Red Bulls are too strong, especially Vettel. It’s a bit of a sad observation, but these are the facts and 3rd place remains the objective. »

Discover the photos of the Indian Grand Prix tests by clicking on this link.