Rosberg says gap to Hamilton not significant

The Briton secured the first pole of the season with a commanding performance, finishing nearly six tenths of a second ahead of Rosberg, second on the grid.

But Rosberg says the gap is not representative of his actual pace, and he is expecting to make it harder for Hamilton tomorrow.

"[The margin] is not indicative of the pace difference," said Rosberg. "For sure, Lewis was quick but I didn't get my laps together today so I'm not too worried about pace - I'm not worried about pace at all to be honest.

"The race is always a different thing and maybe I can even turn it around tomorrow. On Friday, on the long runs, my pace was very strong so I believe it can be he other way tomorrow.

"I'm definitely going to give it everything tomorrow and put on a good show for everybody!"

Delighted Hamilton

Hamilton, staring his title defence this weekend, was meanwhile elated to have secured his 39th career pole.

"It's been a great start to the weekend," he said.

"It doesn't feel like it's been a long time since the last race, so it's been a big rush and a huge effort from all the guys back at the factory to enable us to come here and have this performance and I feel incredibly blessed to have this car.

"Today, we found a good balance and it was just about trying to push in those laps. It's so much fun when you get into qualifying and you have those single laps that you have to push.

"I'm just massively grateful for all the work that has gone in."