Nico Rosberg is remaining focused ahead of the Russian Grand Prix, despite a relatively unhindered route to pole position in his Mercedes.
The championship leader secured his 24th pole position by seven tenths over the Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel, whilst direct rival and team-mate Lewis Hamilton was unable to partake in the all-important top ten shootout after suffering from recurring mechanical woes.
Only moments before the start of the final segment Hamilton was extricated from his Mercedes machine, with the team confirming that issues similar to those in China had plagued the reigning champion’s car.
With Vettel set to incur a five-place grid penalty following a gearbox change earlier in the weekend, Rosberg will start the race alongside the Williams of Valtteri Bottas.
“The others have been unfortunate today, definitely, extremely unfortunate,” explained Rosberg after qualifying.
“That makes my race a little bit easier tomorrow, but an F1 race is never easy.
“Even from where Sebastian [Vettel] is and where Kimi [Raikkonen] is and with Valtteri [Bottas] behind and everything, the opposition is still there, so I still need to keep focused and try and get the job done as good as possible.”
Although Rosberg fully understands that anything could happen during tomorrow’s Russian Grand Prix, the German is also aware that the grid is certainly in his favour heading into the 53-lap race.
“Starting from pole position will be great, but it's never easy,” continued the German.
“The way the grid is, it does help me out a lot for sure to try and get that win tomorrow.”
