'Light' Rosberg says Williams is stronger

Nico Rosberg admitted his car was lighter than normal in practice in Monaco on Thursday, but the Williams driver reckons his team is in better shape than in previous races

The German driver has topped several practice sessions this season thanks to low-fuel runs, and he again finished on top of the times on Thursday at Monte Carlo.

And although Rosberg said he was again running low on fuel, he feels his car's pace will be stronger this time out.

"It is great. I really enjoy it," said Rosberg. "Today was very challenging and I am sure everyone had their moment today where it gets a bit warm in the body, but that is normal here - you have to find the limit.

"And for us it went quite well, we started off quite poorly and I wasn't feeling comfortable in the car but we made some big changes and started to improve things, and in the end we are looking strong, like I was hoping actually, and I think we are going to drop back less than on other weekend.

"We are certainly lighter than other people again today, that is why we are first, but I have a feeling that we are quicker than normal and we are going to drop back less, and I hope we can do a top five in qualifying which is great."

He added: "It is my home, Monaco, so I really enjoy driving here. It is such a challenging track and it is very, very difficult. My favourite place is the harbour chicane, you have to brake really well, come out of it really early. Monaco is Monaco, it is very special and needs to stay like this."

Rosberg admitted he, like most drivers, was having severe problems with his tyres.

"We also have massive graining problems, on longer runs the rears are destroyed totally," he said.

The German driver also downplayed suggestions that he was unhappy at Williams, following comments indication he is considering his future at the team.

"The discontent is not from me at all. I haven't said anything so Williams has made a big step forward from last year, last year I was qualifying 16th, and this year we are qualifying in the top 10 every single race and we have the chance of points at every single race, so it is a big step forward.

"I am pleased with that, I am pleased to be fighting for points and they have given me an even better car here in Monaco, so at the moment I am feeling great in the team and really enjoying it."