Bahrain Grand Prix winner Nico Rosberg says his second victory of the 2016 F1 season stemmed mostly from his “great gateway”, as the Mercedes driver beat pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton off the line.
Comfortably leading into the first corner meant Rosberg was able to escape the melee behind, which saw the fast-starting Williams of Valtteri Bottas collide with Hamilton.
GALLERY: Bahrain Grand Prix
Two weeks after being overhauled by the Ferraris when the lights went out in Melbourne, the Sakhir victor was satisfied to avoid a repeat of that scenario.
“The key was really the start,” Rosberg said. “I got a great getaway and from then I tried to control the pace. I am very happy with how the race went today. It’s absolutely awesome to get another win.
“We have been working a lot on starts so I am pleased that it worked out so well for me on the dirty side of the grid.”
Rosberg went on to deliver a steady performance, only relinquishing his lead for a couple of laps during his third and final pit stop.
“We played it safe in case there was a safety car or something,” he added. “We went for a safe strategy, not a fast strategy, just to cover all eventualities.”
The German is now on a five-race winning streak since last year’s Mexican Grand Prix. Bahrain also was his 16th career victory, which draws Rosberg level with the great Sir Stirling Moss – the most successful driver not to win a world title.
Asked whether that gave him an extra boost of confidence, an unfazed Rosberg replied: “It’s awesome but I’m not thinking about it – I’m just taking it race by race. It’s great to win here today, that’s two wins on the trot, but I’m only thinking of the next race in China.
“It is a good moment because we had a good car today, but it’s is not something I think about. I’m not thinking about it right at this moment, I’m just thinking about this season and it’s two wins now in a row, good points. That’s where my focus is, five wins or three wins, it doesn’t make a difference.”
With a perfect score of 50 points, Rosberg leads team-mate Hamilton by 17 points after the opening two races of the 2016 season.
RACE REPORT: Rosberg beats Raikkonen to win in Bahrain
AS IT HAPPENED: Bahrain Grand Prix
GALLERY: Sakhir podium
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