F1 Bahrain GP: Hamilton was incredible - Rosberg

Nico Rosberg credited Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton for producing an "incredible" lap to deny him pole position at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The reigning world champion was in danger of starting from the second row of the grid after running wide in his opening run in Q3 on Saturday.

However, with time running out, Hamilton showed his class with a sensational run that saw him set a new lap record in Sakhir of one minute and 29.493 seconds.

Although Rosberg - who had topped the standings - also improved on his initial time, the German was forced to settle for second place ahead of Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen.

"My lap felt good and I was sure I was on pole. Lewis put in an incredible lap to beat me," said Rosberg in the post-qualifying news conference.

Rosberg remained upbeat as he looked ahead to Sunday's race, having claimed victory from second on the grid in Australia last time out.

"This track is where pole counts least, I think," he added.

"There are still a lot of opportunities."