Nico Rosberg believes he still has the edge over team-mate Michael Schumacher, despite the latter having closed the gap in 2011.
The seven-time world champion scored just over half what Rosberg did in 2010 (142 to 72), but a season later and that gap closed to just 13 points (89 to 76).
Rosberg isn’t worried thought. He believes qualifying, in which he beat Schumacher 16-3 last year, has lost some of its importance because of the Pirelli tyres and DRS, which have allowed his older compatriot to catch up in the race.
“He closed the gap to me in the championship standings compared with 2010, but a lot of that reduction was down to the tyres and the DRS, which made overtaking more possible,” he told Car magazine.
“Qualifying lost a lot of its importance in 2011 and that was the main explanation. But Michael also raised his game; he upped his performance.
“At the start of last year I had a lot of respect towards him, but it’s settled down now. We’re on an even playing field and it’s much more easygoing. I respect his dedication to the sport and his approach. That’s interesting to see.”
The 26-year-old isn’t fretting about his future nor his past, despite having competed in 108 races without a win, he’s certain the right car will come along soon.
“I get a lot of pleasure from the races in which I know I’ve done a good job, like finishing sixth in Abu Dhabi,” he added. “I know my time will come, when I have the right car. I really look forward to winning because I know it will be an amazing experience, but it’s not like I’m suffering in any way at the moment.”
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