Williams F1

The Bahrain International Circuit has always been a firm favourite of Nico Rosberg. He first raced on the Middle Eastern track in 2004 in Formula 3, he was then crowned GP2 Champion in 2005 at Sakhir and went on to make his Formula One debut for Williams in 2006 there.

Despite a first corner incident, Nico carved his way through the field to cross the line in seventh position, earning himself and the team two points. His stunning debut didn't end there, however, as he also secured the fastest lap of the race. Before we head to Bahrain this weekend, we talk to him about the track and his memories of it... 

“I have good memories of racing at the Bahrain International Circuit. I was crowned GP2 champion there in 2005 and had a sensational grand prix debut at the track in ’06. I qualified my Williams-Cosworth 12th and made a good start, only to knock off my front wing at the first corner.

“It took me ages to get back to the pits as a result and I was last by the time my new nose had been fitted. But the car worked really well in the hot conditions; my tyres were consistent and I was able to lap very quickly. On lap 49 I made it into the points for the first time when I passed David Coulthard for eighth place and on lap 56 I took Christian Klien for seventh. The icing on the cake was taking fastest lap. I’ve only scored one more fastest lap since then, at Melbourne earlier this year.

“I finished in the points in Bahrain last year and I’m very much looking forward to next weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. It’s a race I always enjoy.”

To listen to the full version of this story, just tune into the Chinese GP Podcast found in the WF1TV Channel.