Gearbox changes for Rosberg and Grosjean

20/07/2012

Mat Coch writes:

Nico Rosberg will take a five-place grid penalty on Sunday after taking a new gearbox following the British Grand Prix. The German set the second fastest time in the second practice session, less than a tenth of a second behind Pastor Maldonado at the top of the timing sheets.

“In general I'm quite pleased with the way we started,” Rosberg said. “We learned a lot because it was dry at some points this morning then wet this afternoon, very wet then quite dry with intermediates.”

Rosberg’s pace in the tricky conditions could be a saving grace since the best he can hope for is sixth on the grid for Sunday’s race. However with rain scheduled for tomorrows qualifying but then a dry race expected drivers will have to take a gamble.

If the weather produces a mixed up grid as some drivers take a more conservative approach Rosberg stands to be one of the those who could benefit most if some of the leading contenders falter.

The other is Romain Grosjean, who will also take a penalty after his Lotus suffered gearbox problems late in the British Grand Prix. The Frenchman was fifth fastest in this afternoon’s practice session, almost a second off Maldonado’s best.

Check out our Friday gallery, here.