Strong start was key to victory in Bahrain: Rosberg

Rosberg started from second place on the grid but managed to lead into turn one, avoiding the drama that took place behind him. Rosberg leads the championship standings after two races and holds a 17-point advantage over Hamilton going into the third round in China.

Rosberg holds a 17-point advantage over Hamilton going into the third round in China

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg says a strong start was key to his dominant victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday.

Rosberg started from second place on the grid but managed to lead into turn one, avoiding the drama that took place behind him. Team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who started from pole, was clipped by Williams' Valtteri Bottas into a half-spin, causing the defending Formula One champion to drop down the field.

The Brit managed to battle his way to a podium finish, but he could not deny Rosberg a fifth-straight F1 victory. "I am so happy with how everything is working out at the moment," the German said. "The start was definitely the key to my win – and that was a really great moment, as it was an area that we put a lot effort into before the race.

"Leading into turn one was a relief, to be honest, as I could see in my mirrors that it was very busy behind me. But from then on I was able to control the pace and take the win. "Strategy-wise we had to play it safe. It maybe wasn’t the quickest option – but we had to cover the risk of a safety car. It was an almost perfect weekend for me – only qualifying could have been a fraction better."

Rosberg leads the championship standings after two races and holds a 17-point advantage over Hamilton going into the third round in China. "What a great start to the season – a big thank you to the guys and girls at the factories for this amazing car," Rosberg added.

"Now I look forward to China, where I won my first ever grand prix, so I have plenty of positive energy heading there."