Rosberg fooled by Hamilton pit stop masterstroke

Nico Rosberg believed he was on course to win Sunday's British Grand Prix when Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton made his decision to pit for intermediate tyres in the rain-swept closing laps.

But, within a lap, he realised he was wrong and the world champion's swift call had paid off, leaving the German to settle for second place.

"When it started raining, I felt great," said Rosberg.

"I was really able to attack and pass both Williams and close to Lewis a lot.

"I was hoping the race would stay like that -- I thought I could attack Lewis at some point, but then Lewis boxed.

"I was pretty sure that was the wrong call because it was still touch-and-go at that time, so I was actually quite happy that he boxed.

"But it was the right call in the end because it started raining more in that lap, so that was it.

"Anyway, I had to take that chance. If I had just followed Lewis into the pits I would definitely have lost, so I thought I might as well stay out and do one more lap, at least.

"It didn't work out, so that's it. I did everything, but that was it."

Rosberg's drive to second behind Hamilton meant that Mercedes became the first team to finish nine races in succession with two drivers on the podium since Ferrari in the 1952-53 season.

Hamilton set a record by increasing his total of consecutive races, in which he has been the leader, to 18.

The previous record of 17 was held by fellow-Briton Jackie Stewart in the 1969-70 seasons.
Source: AFP