Lewis Hamilton 'not worried' after Nico Rosberg sets Friday Spa pace
Rosberg reckons team-mate likely to adopt his set-up after he tops both P1 and P2; But Hamilton content with his own start at Spa
Tuesday 25 August 2015 14:16, UK
Nico Rosberg believes he is "one step ahead" of Lewis Hamilton after the opening day of the Belgian GP weekend - although his team-mate insists he is "not particularly worried" by the Friday form.
Although a high-speed spin following a tyre blowout overshadowed his day, Rosberg still set the pace on Friday as F1 returned to work following its four-week summer break. Rosberg was over two-tenths of a second quicker than Hamilton, the 21-point championship leader, around the long 7km lap in both sessions.
Last year it was the German driver who claimed pole position, although Hamilton jumped him at the start before they then clashed in controversial circumstances on lap two, and he is feeling confident again.
Indeed, after outpacing Hamilton throughout Friday, Rosberg claimed the world champion would likely adopt his set-up from Saturday onwards.
"It is going well for now. It has been a good start to the weekend and I am feeling comfortable," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"At the moment I am one step ahead of Lewis and that means tonight he is more likely to take over my set-up than vice versa because he is a bit unsure what's gone on.
"That's usually the tendency, so it's always better to start the weekend like that."
Although Hamilton is a past winner at Spa, in 2010, he admitted on Thursday that the legendary Belgian venue was not one of his favourite circuits.
However, despite a low-key opening day, the Briton didn't appear unduly concerned with the timesheet.
"Nico is very quick so I'll just do some work tonight and see if I can find some more time," Hamilton said. "But I am not particularly worried."
Hamilton, who boasts a record of nine poles in 10 attempts so far this season, said it had been an enjoyable Friday as he returned to the cockpit of the W06 for the first time in a month.
"It was generally a good day. No problems, great fun, nice that the weather was good. Overall the track has such a good flow so I enjoyed it," he added.
