Rosberg takes only positives from China

Nico Rosberg says he and Mercedes GP should only feel happy with the step forward in form they showed in last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix - despite the disappointment of missing out on a podium finish

The German led for a number of laps in Shanghai - and was in contention with the leading pack - until he was forced to slow down in a bid to conserve fuel.

That action was forced on him because his team had miscalculated the fuel consumption figures for the race, as it had not expected to run at such a fast pace in the grand prix itself.

Although disappointed immediately after the race at the missed opportunity, Rosberg says that there are positives to take from the event - and the team will have learned from the fuel issue.

"The race on Sunday really was one of the most exciting grands prix that I've ever driven," he explained. "It took some time after the race to let everything sink in because I had high hopes for a good podium result, and I had led for a quarter of the race.

"However, I can't blame anybody in the team for having been short on fuel, it's a lesson that we learn together. We have to be happy that we made a step forward in China which was achieved by everyone in the team working extremely hard.

"My attitude is always that we win together and we lose together as one team. Who would have thought before the Chinese Grand Prix that I would lead the race? That was fantastic and to be competing at the front of the field was a great feeling for me and everybody in the team."

After the intensity of the back-to-back events in Malaysia and China, Rosberg plans some time with his family in the break before the Turkish Grand Prix, as well as competing in a triathlon.

"The first thing is to spend time with my family, my girlfriend and my friends over Easter in the south of France," he said.

"I'm planning to do a sprint distance triathlon on the Promenade in Nice with some friends on Easter Sunday, and I'm really looking forward to that. It was difficult to do regular training in Shanghai on top of the race weekend commitments but I managed to squeeze some preparations in, so I should be well prepared.

"After the Easter weekend, I will be visiting the factory in Brackley to meet with the team and have a look at what we have learned in the first three races, and what we can do before the European season gets underway.

"We all want to make further improvements and we're working really hard to achieve this. There's a positive feeling at the team and I'm
highly motivated."