Nico Rosberg was delighted to hand Mercedes GP their first podium at Sepang but there was more disappointment for Michael Schumacher.
First podium for Mercedes but more disappointment for Schumacher
Nico Rosberg was delighted to hand Mercedes GP their first podium in Sunday's Malaysian Grand but there was more disappointment for team-mate Michael Schumacher at Sepang.
Rosberg finished third behind the Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber to also score the third podium finish of his career.
However Schumacher, who has won three times at the track for Ferrari, was an early retirement after a wheel nut fell off his car.
"It's a great feeling to be back up on the podium again," said Rosberg, who finished ahead of Renault's Robert Kubica after a trouble-free run.
"My start didn't go that well today as I had a bit too much wheel spin and once I was in third place, I knew it would be difficult to follow the leading cars.
"I struggled a little with the options in the first stint which allowed Robert (Kubica) to stay quite close but once we switched to the primes, I felt really comfortable and we could manage the race home to third place.
"This is a great end to a strong weekend for us. We're not quite where we want to be yet so we need to push on but I'm confident that we'll get there soon."
Shame for Schuey
Schumacher, meanwhile, pulled his car off the circuit on the 10th lap to seal another disappointing result for the seven-times world champion, who is now three races into his comeback.
"It was a shame that I could not finish the race but unfortunately the wheel nut on the left rear wheel was lost," the 41-year-old said.
"The car suddenly became very unstable in turn six and I could hardly steer and had no drive left. I initially thought it was something to do with the suspension but after I stopped and had a look, it was evident there was a wheel nut missing.
"I would have obviously wanted to finish the race and I think it could have worked out reasonably well. But in the end that is motor racing, I remember that very well."
Schumacher refused to be too disheartened by the result though and praised his team-mate for his own result.
"It makes no sense to get angry about it, you have to accept it as part of the game and look ahead," he added. "At least Nico scored our first podium finish and I am happy for him and the team."
