Nico Rosberg: Pole position is a "big advantage" for Spanish Grand Prix

Nico Rosberg has admitted that securing pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix will be a "big advantage" ahead of Sunday's race in Barcelona.

The German beat Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton to pole for the first time this season in qualifying at the Circuit de Catalunya, with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel completing the top three.

Rosberg said at the post-qualifying press conference: "Strategy is important. It's a big advantage to have new set of used tyres for the race. Overtaking is more difficult around here, so starting in front is a big advantage.

"Of course I needed [pole position] sooner rather than later. It is one step in the right direction to winning the race. It was a good day in the office."

Rosberg sits second in the drivers' standings, 27 points behind Hamilton.