27/09/2009
NEWS STORY
Nico Rosberg knows that a silly mistake cost him an almost certain podium finish at Singapore today.
A year after finishing second at the Marina Bay street circuit, indeed, being the moral winner of the 2008 race in the eyes of many, Rosberg looked to be heading for another superb result. However, a mistake as he left the pits following his first stop resulted in a drive-through penalty which effectively ended all hopes of a points finish, far less a podium.
Speaking in the wake of the race in which he eventually finished eleventh, the German told reporters: "The outcome was hugely disappointing as I made an unnecessary mistake by braking too late and running over the white line on the exit.
"Then the safety car came out at the worst possible moment," he continued, "and it left me with a horrible feeling, also for my team, knowing that I wouldn't be second and would have to spend the rest of the race at the back.
"The team gave me such a good car this weekend," he added, "having put more effort in development than anyone else and I am now determined to use this advantage in Japan."