Nico Rosberg took psychological boost from beating his Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton to pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday.
It's the first time this year Rosberg has outqualified Hamilton and sets up his best chance of that elusive first win this season.
"Psychologically it feels great, I'm happy and it's good for the sport," he said. "Of course I needed it sooner rather than later, because it's one step closer to winning the race here this weekend. It was a good day in the office, for sure."
At the last round in Bahrain, Rosberg attempted to save his tyres in Q2 because the rules dictate that the top 10 have to start the same race on that set. In doing so he said he put himself out of his rhythm for Q3 and this weekend he was conscious to avoid a repeat.
"For sure Bahrain was still in my mind and I wanted to make sure that I did not make that mistake again. So I got myself in the rhythm in Q2 and it worked really well."
Talking about his chances in Sunday's race, Rosberg added: "I will try and go for it of course and hope for the best possible result, which, starting first and with the car that I have, is going to be trying to go for the win. I'll take the advantage from starting first and that's it.
"Definitely strategy is going to be important and it's a big advantage to have an extra set of new tyres for tomorrow's race, it's good to have that. Overtaking is more difficult at this track so starting at the front is an advantage."