2015 Russian Grand Prix: Nico Rosberg ‘optimistic’ but ‘cautious’ of Ferrari threat in Sochi
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has downplayed the chances of the Silver Arrows clinching the Formula One, or F1, World Constructors’ Championship in Sochi this weekend. Rosberg believes that Mercedes must be wary and watch its back for resurgent Ferrari.
Rosberg told the reporters during the F1 press conference on Thursday that the team’s goal is to win. However, they reportedly can’t ignore Ferrari’s threat. The German believes that the prancing horse will give Mercedes a tough race in Sochi, which Ferrari had done so since early in the season.
“It is one of the aims of this weekend, to try to clinch that, special to be able to do it again in such a manner, such a dominating manner,” Rosberg said. “Really awesome job by the team and again to have the chance to close it down so early, but of course Ferrari has been strong recently, very, very strong even, so we need to be cautious, we still need to work hard, get the best out of it, but of course we’re optimistic. ”
Ferrari outraced Mercedes in Malaysia, Hungary and Singapore. In other races, Ferrari had been close on pace as well. Ferrari’s worst performance this season was at the Belgian Grand Prix, when four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel suffered a mishap as the German’s tyre blew out. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton won the race, further extending the championship lead over Ferrari.
F1 World Constructors’ Championship Standings
Mercedes - 506 points
Ferrari - 337 points
Williams-Mercedes - 208 points
Red Bull-Renault - 139 points
Force India-Mercedes - 77 points
Lotus-Mercedes - 60 points
Toro Rosso-Renault - 44 points
Sauber-Ferrari - 26 points
McLaren-Honda - 17 points
Marussia-Ferrari - 0 point
Mercedes secured their first World Constructors’ Championship in Russia with 701 points ahead of Red Bull with 405 points. Ferrari finished fourth last year with 216 points.
Contact the writer at feedback@IBTimes.com.au, or let us know your thoughts below.