Rosberg forced to rely on strategy

The Williams driver could only be 14th today after lacking the sort of pace that has allowed him to qualify near the top in recent races.

"Today was more difficult than yesterday," admitted Rosberg. "I thought I could improve my times but I didn't. I glazed my brakes a little bit in traffic and when they cool down too much they don't work very well. After that, I could not hit the brakes as hard as I'd have liked to.

"There was something missing out there today, the package wasn't working as well as it should so I just couldn't get enough out of it. We now need to work out a good strategy to achieve something positive out of my starting position."

Teammate Alex Wurz completed a disappointing day for Williams, the Austrian finishing down in 17th after having balance problems.

Wurz said he was annoyed by his showing.

"Today was not good," he said. "My first run was fine and the car felt ok, but the second wasn't great. I had a problem with the balance of the car which cost me about half a second in the first sector and that took me totally by surprise.

"I'm annoyed because I felt it was going to go well today, like I'd get into the top ten, so this is disappointing."