Rosberg baffled by engine and tyre problem

The Mercedes driver qualified in second place behind Mercedes teammate and local hero Lewis Hamilton, who secured his eighth pole in nine races this year.

Rosberg, who had set the pace on Friday, was quicker than Hamilton in Sector 1 on his final flying lap, but lost all his advantage over the rest of the lap.

The German said he could not find an explanation for the time lost, but said he felt something strange with one of his tyres and the power of his engine.

"There are a few things," said Rosberg. "I lost quite a lot on straightline speed also, that is now the latest thing. So, a lot in that – and that was on my fastest lap.

"We don't know why yet. We have looked into various things and it is not exactly clear yet.

"And then also, on the second attempt, something very strange on the left front. Maybe it was wind or something, it is difficult to say for now we need to look into it – but it was so extreme.

"I lost like half a second and it was a good lap, there was no way to get around the corner so we need to look into that as well.

"It was very difficult. Everybody was all over the place, so maybe it just caught me out on that one.

"But the first lap was really good, so I was sure that I would be ahead of Lewis and I was disappointed that he was one tenth ahead of me."

Still confident for the race

Rosberg said he remains hopeful he can beat Hamilton in the race after the Briton's struggles with long runs during Friday's practice sessions.

"This weekend had one of the biggest differences in terms of long run pace as we were practicing on Friday, Lewis was struggling quite a lot there, so that is another hope that I have," Rosberg added.

"Although his set-up has changed quite a lot since, so maybe that is different now I don't know. That will be another thing that will help me tomorrow.

"And also Lewis has two laps on the set that he is starting the race with, so that is another small thing that can help with the start and the beginning of the race."