Formula One news

Rosberg aiming for the podium

Nico Rosberg will be starting from the second row of the grid for the Malaysian Grand Prix, as the penalties of Sebastian Vettel and Rubens Barrichello take effect. It will be the second time the German has joined row two of the grid in Malaysia, having been third in only his second qualifying session in 2006.

"I am very happy with fourth on the grid for tomorrow's race," said the German, who completed the effort on a scrubbed set of soft compound Bridgestone tyres. "Our general pace in the first two qualifying sessions wasn't quite where we wanted to be, but it gave us enough to work with. In Q3, with some fuel in the car, it felt really nice which allowed me to put in a very good lap for sixth place which, after the penalties for the other cars, is now the second row.

"From that start position, as well as having a good car and a good strategy, we can be optimistic and say we have a good chance to aim for a podium. One consideration is, of course, the start and I will have to check who will be using KERS around me. My preference for tomorrow would definitely be a dry race because it's always the safer way to go but, if it rains, even though it will mix things up it will be no problem and we will make the best of either situation."

Those with the 'KERS effect' closest to Nico will be Kimi Räikkönen and Fernando Alonso, who fill the eighth row; there is still speculation, however, as to whether the former will be making use of the system following a technical problem in first practice on Friday.

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