Chinese Grand Prix Race Review
April 19, 2012
Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix marked an historic day for the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Starting from pole position, Nico Rosberg took a sensational victory in Shanghai, achieving his first win in F1TM with a 20 second margin over the next placed car.
Also a first win for the new F1 W03, and moreover, the first win for a works Silver Arrow since the 1955 Italian Grand Prix, Nico was overjoyed with his triumph. Speaking after the race he said: “This is a very special moment for me. The whole weekend went perfectly. My first pole position, now my first win in Formula One – it really is fantastic.”
Team Principal Ross Brawn said after the race: “I am so delighted for Nico, he has deserved to take his first victory several times, and has now done so by driving a perfectly judged race from pole position.” He added: “This victory is something I will remember, and savour, for a very long time indeed!”
For team-mate Michael Schumacher however, an incorrectly fitted wheel nut at his first pit stop forced him to retire early on lap 13. He concluded: “Of course, this was an unfortunate ending to what could have been a nice race, and I feel sorry for the guys, who always work so hard and give their best. But we all know that’s part of the game.”
Congratulations went out to the whole team, including those at Brackley and Brixworth for all their hard work. The victory is the tenth in Formula One for a works Silver Arrow, bringing the total number of Mercedes-Benz F1TM victories to 90.
The team are now focusing on improving their race pace even further in preparation for the Bahrain Grand Prix, taking place on the 20th–22nd April.
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