Rosberg hopes Ferrari can close gap to Mercedes

Nico Rosberg says he hopes that nearest rival Ferrari can close the gap to Mercedes in the next few races to give fans more action.

Sebastian Vettel finished 34 seconds down on race winner Lewis Hamilton and second-placed Nico Rosberg – a result which is likely to become the norm again this season.

Rosberg however is hopeful that the two teams will close up to provide fans with a little more action at the front of the grid, a request that surprised four-time champion Vettel.

“For the next couple of races, we will be leading the way and we will try and keep it that way,” the Mercedes driver said after the race.

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“But it would be good if they [Ferrari] can come a bit closer, so long as they don’t come too close.”

To which Vettel replied: “Be honest, do you really hope so!? [Laughs] Seriously? Seriously, [you] finished 30 seconds ahead of us and you hope that’s it going to be closer. So you hope you slow down, is that what you’re saying?”

“I hope you can give us a challenge because it’s important for the sport and the fans,” replied Rosberg.

“A part of me thinks about the show because I want to give people a great time at home,” he added. “If you do come a bit closer, that would be awesome.”

To which Vettel said: “That’s fine. My first suggestion, if you don’t mind, could be that your garage becomes public for Malaysia and everyone can have a look. Is that what you’re suggesting? No, I’m joking.”