Championship contender Nico Rosberg believes his step-by-step, race-by-race mentality is proving to be the right approach as the battle for the title returns this weekend.
Since the summer break, victories at Spa and Monza last time out have catapulted Nico back into contention. With teammate Lewis Hamilton’s lead at the top cut down to just two points, Nico is looking forward to a fruitful Singapore round as the title battle gathers pace.
“Standing on top of that Monza podium was an awesome experience: I’ll definitely remember that one for a long time!” said the 31-year-old.
“I approach each weekend aiming to win the race. The points gap has gone up and down but I’ve taken it one race at a time – and that’s the best way for me, as you can see by how the gap is now.”
Nico hasn’t finished on the Singapore podium since his Williams days back in 2008, and will be hoping for better form this year year from his silver Arrows machine. Nico finished fourth last year nearly 25 seconds behind race winner Sebastian Vettel, as tyre woes troubled both Mercedes drivers.
“It’s a race that’s been up and down for me,” he added.
“I got my second ever podium there way back in 2008 [with Williams] but haven’t been up there again since, so the target is to change that on Sunday.
“Of course, it won’t be easy. This is a Red Bull track and we weren’t so strong there last year. But I have faith in the team and my belief in myself is as high as ever.”
Both Red Bulls will fancy their chances of a surprise pole position at a track that is similar in many ways to Monaco and Hungary. Engine power is less of a factor here, and cool night time temperatures could again prove problematic to switching on the Pirelli tyres.
With safety car periods all too common around marina bay too, an action packed two hour time limit race surely awaits.
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…’cause the whole ‘trying to do six races at a time’ thing wasn’t really working out for me…
…I mean, bless, it’s not like that’s not the approach of every racing driver, ever.
Mind management appears to be the name of the game for young Nico – clearly aware of the enormity of a bonafide WDC fight with Lewis. Perhaps a tacit acknowledgement of inferiority?
If I were Lewis, I’d take a lot (of positives) from Nico feeling compelled to roll out those old sporting tropes.
Ya know, the old ‘highlight the up-and-down past performance to manage current expectation,’ and the ‘ensure the favourites (like it still shouldn’t be Mercedes) are well-known to mitigate pressure,’ and, my favourite, the ‘I’m taking it one race at a time.’
Weak, weak and weak. Those techniques may help one get though press conferences and the days leading into the GP, but they won’t do anything to help in wheel-to-wheel battle.
But, hey, Nico’s belief in himself is “as high as ever.” Fake it till you make it, eh? Aristotle would be proud…
If only Lewis could perform consistently, he’d wipe the floor with Rosberg. But outright speed means nothing without season-long, consistent application.
#Shoey (Not the German, but the Aussie drinking celebration)
#Schuey (The German)