The track rubbered-in very quickly, ramping up its grip - and the tyres held out perfectly, without any of the tyre nursing that usually helps keep fuel consumption in check.
In this dismal context it is no wonder that a row has broken out in Italy, where control of Telecom Italia recently passed to Pirelli, a tyre and cables group.
"Six laps from the end I asked about the tyre situation and about the weather conditions, and I said every time I'll stay out, 'one more lap, one more lap' and at the end I stayed out for the whole race, " the German told BBC Radio 5 Live.