Chinese Grand Prix 2012: Nico Rosberg reflects on 'special' race

Mercedes' Nico Rosberg seals his first Grand Prix victory ahead of McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button

By The Sport Review staff Monday 16 April 2012, 10:05 UK @thesportreview

Nico Rosberg sealed the first GP win of his career on Sunday Photo: Courtesy of Mercedes GP Petronas

nico rosberg

Nico Rosberg could not hide his delight at a “perfect” weekend after the Mercedes driver cruised to victory at the Chinese Grand Prix to secure his first race win in 111 attempts.

The German led from pole in Shanghai and secured a comfortable win ahead of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton to seal Mercedes’ first victory since 1955.

“This is a very special moment for me,” he said. “The whole weekend went perfectly. My first pole position, now my first win in Formula 1 – it really is fantastic.

“But it’s not only this; it’s the first win for the new Silver Arrow and for this great team. That is really special for me. Thanks to everybody in the team, here in China and in our factories in Brackley and Brixworth. It makes me very proud that we have improved the car so quickly.

“I will never forget this race, and the last 20 laps felt as long as if I was racing in the Le Mans 24 Hours!

“Crossing the line was so intense. We will enjoy this success, but our feet are still on the ground.

“We are still not where we want to be, we are still working hard to understand the car and the tyres in all conditions, and we will keep pushing to improve our race pace even further. We will see how that works out in Bahrain.”