Nico Rosberg was arguably the happiest man in China on Saturday as the Mercedes driver finally bagged his maiden pole position at his 110th GP.
With his aid of his W-duct, Rosberg clocked a 1:35.121 around the Shanghai circuit.
Although it was set early in the qualifying shoot-out, the time proved unbeatable - and by some margin as his closest rival, Lewis Hamilton, over half a second adrift.
It was a monumental occasion for Rosberg as it was his first-ever F1 pole position and Mercedes' first since 1955.
"It went really well and it's a very special feeling," said Rosberg.
"It's fantastic, it all came together. It's perfect until now so I am very happy. It shows that we are moving forward.
"We changed the set-up of the car slightly before my last run and then I had the perfect lap. It worked out really well."
The German, though, admits that just because qualifying went well that doesn't mean Sunday's race will play into his hands.
In fact, Mercedes struggled in the opening two races of the campaign where tyre wear proved to be their downfall.
"We are not quite where we want to be in the races, but we are progressing," he added.
"The first two races of the season have not gone too well so the season starts now."
Related Links
Qualifying: Rosberg breaks his pole duck
Saturday's gallery from Shanghai
