Rosberg up for F1 challenge
Nico Rosberg is convinced he has the key to the door of a prosperous Formula One future.
The German, who turned 21 this week, has shown flashes of brilliance in his rookie season after graduating as GP2 champion, scoring four points to team-mate Mark Webber’s six.
At the halfway point of the season Rosberg is beginning to reel in Webber, out-qualifying the Australian in the last two races to end a long spell in his shadow.
But Rosberg, son of former world champion Keke, claims he will not get the kudos he deserves even if he can beat Webber regularly.
He said: “I am trying to keep him on his toes but it’s not easy because he is very quick and experienced.
“It’s a bit of a challenge but I am building up to that and I believe in myself. He is very strong and unfortunately for me a little bit underrated because he is better than people think.”
Rosberg’s points tally scarcely reflects his speed this season and he arrived in Indianapolis this week after a Canadian Grand Prix which summed up his plight.
After qualifying a brilliant sixth in Montreal, he was unfortunate to be nudged into a wall by Juan Pablo Montoya on the first lap, denying him a certain points finish.
The scarcity of solid results to back up his progress is frustrating Rosberg, who said: “As a whole I have made a pretty good impression which is important for a youngster coming into Formula One.
“But results-wise I hoped to do a little bit better than I have but together with the team we are going up and down. We just have to work at that and try to pick up the pace a bit.”
With nine grands prix now under his belt, Rosberg is settled in Formula One and ready to deal with the pressure of being among his sport’s elite.
“As a driver as such I have not improved but the thing that helps is relaxing,” he added. “You know what is happening and you have a routine for everything.
“Of course there is pressure to perform because you are hired and paid to drive well. But there has always been and always will be pressure in racing so I’ve got to live with that. It won’t change.”
As with most of his rivals, one pressure facing Rosberg is the search for a 2007 contract.
He is tied to Williams in the long term but has yet to receive confirmation of a race seat next year, with Sir Frank Williams playing a waiting game before announcing his line-up.
Rosberg said: “I don’t know what I am doing next year. It’s up to Frank if he wants me or not. Of course it would be great to stay here.”
