The long awaited qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix got underway this afternoon heralding the competitive track action for the nineteen-race 2010 Formula One season. For Mercedes Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg was the outstanding talent, the younger German, who completed just one run in Q3 using the softer compound option tyre, qualified in fifth place overall.

While he was somewhat disappointed with the result, Nico is happy enough with the outcome....

"To be honest, we were hoping for a bit more today although we were lacking the pace to challenge right at the front so I guess we should not be too disappointed,” he said. “It was so difficult out there with the tyres overheating. If you made a small mistake and got oversteer, then you lost a lot of grip for the next few corners. It's going to be very important to look after the tyres tomorrow in the race. Overall it's a good start for me and with a bit of luck, we should be able to challenge for a podium place tomorrow."

Nico’s best time was good enough to finish two places ahead of his legendary teammate, the returning seven time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher. After admitting yesterday that he was somewhat rusty after his three year break from the sport, the forty one year old, who was also using the softer compound option tyre, qualified seventh overall for tomorrow's 49-lap race.

"I am satisfied with seventh place today having been away from Formula One for such a long time. By coincidence, it's the same grid position that I had when I started my career at Spa in 1991,” he said. “It was fun to work with my new team and I appreciate all their efforts to support me as I get back into the swing of things. The boys are really good and I feel that we've improved step-by-step over the weekend. I'm looking forward to the race and I expect even more to come."