Barcelona - Formula One legend Niki Lauda admitted to feeling some relief after Nico Rosberg's Spanish Grand Prix victory on Sunday not only rekindled Mercedes' internal rivalry and team spirit but gave a much-needed boost to the championship.
Speaking after a dull, but significant race in which Rosberg managed to rediscover his best form to end defending champion and team-mate Lewis Hamilton's sizzling run of three wins in four races prior to Barcelona, Mercedes director Lauda was adamant that it was a result everyone needed.
"Nico has fought back," he said, with as much relief as the driver must have felt after finishing 17.5 seconds clear of two-time champion Briton Hamilton.
"I would say he is totally back and for the team and for him this is good.
"My worry was that if he hadn't driven well here, then he would have lost some momentum in his head. So, thank God. It's back!
"He is back to last year's performance level and now we are back to this team spirit again, which is good for the development of the car and for the whole team..."
Rosberg's ninth career victory enabled him to reduce Hamilton's lead in the title race to 20 points ahead of his 'home' race, the Monaco Grand Prix, which he won, following some controversy, last year.
"It is good for everyone," added Lauda. "I was worried before this race. For the first four races, Lewis was so far ahead, he just blew Nico off the track.
"This has changed now. I was worried also, that here in Spain Ferrari would catch us (Mercedes) because nobody knew what upgrades they would bring with them, but again, we are ahead... So, very good."
AFP
