(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) German admits he just got it wrong completely in Russia.
Nico Rosberg brakes in front of Lewis Hamilton during the Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Sochi. — AFP
Sochi: Nico Rosberg had only himself to blame for a first lap error at the Russian Grand Prix that allowed Mercedes team mate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton to romp to a fourth win in a row on Sunday.
“I just went completely wrong and I don’t understand it” said the German now 17 points adrift of the Briton with three races remaining in what amounts to a private duel between the two for the Formula One title.
“It was actually an easy situation. It’s just the first time at this track first time down there with 160kg (of fuel) in the tank. I just got it wrong completely.” The pair had lined up together on the front row with Hamilton on pole position for the inaugural race in Russia at the Sochi Olympic Park circuit.
Rosberg got himself alongside Hamilton but then locked up as he braked a puff of smoke highlighting the damage to the tyres before he went wide and outside the track limits. When the team told him to hand back the place to the Briton Rosberg informed them that he would have to pit instead.
“It was just a mistake on my side braked too late and that’s it. Very unnecessary because it was my corner and I should have been in the lead after that. So obviously very disappointed with that” he told reporters. “After that my tyres were just square. They were vibrating so much I couldn’t see where I was going so I knew that I had to pit.”
When he rejoined the race he was in 20th place and facing 52 laps on the same set of medium tyres — a big ask in the circumstances. Not only did he do it he clawed his way back to second in an impressive act of damage limitation. “My car was just unbelievable today and that’s what allowed me to come back through the field” he said. “Half of me of course is extremely disappointed that I messed up today but the other half I’m really really happy because everybody in the team deserves it so much” he said. “For them the most important title of the year is the constructors’ championship. That’s why I can even smile a bit because I’m happy for everybody to have achieved that.”
Meanwhile Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso gave a teasing hint about his Formula One future on Sunday by saying the decision would seem obvious once announced and he was unlikely to drive for a Mercedes-powered team.
“I’m not in a hurry...I understand the curiosity and I understand for the fans the news that can be around the future” the Spaniard told reporters at the inaugural Russian Grand Prix. — Agencies
Kvitova to lead Czechs in Fed
Cup final
prague — World number four Petra Kvitova will lead the Czech Republic in the Fed Cup final against Germany in Prague on November 8-9 team captain Petr Pala said on Monday.
Pala also named 17th-ranked Lucie Safarova 27th-ranked Karolina Pliskova and a reunited doubles pair Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka to the broader five-member team.
“I’m glad to have these five girls. Only the week before the tie will show us what the final four-member team will be like” said Pala.
Hlavackova the world number 14 for doubles and 23rd-ranked Hradecka had an emotional split last year after winning two grand slam titles a Fed Cup title and the Olympic silver in London together.
They will now play several minor ITF tournaments ahead of the Fed Cup final on the Novacrylic Ultracushion hardcourt of Prague’s O2 Arena.
“I talked to Lucie (Hradecka) and she said she was ready to play with anyone” Pala said suggesting Hradecka had no hard feelings towards Hlavackova who had initiated the split.
Stalwarts Kvitova — the 24-year-old reigning Wimbledon champion — and Safarova who is 27 led the Czechs to Fed Cup titles in 2011 and 2012.
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