Nico Rosberg is confident he can find “a little bit more” speed from within himself to enable him to win the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.
The German has been no match for team-mate Lewis Hamilton this season who has taken all three pole positions and finished ahead of Rosberg on every occasion.
The 29-year-old is looking to put the frustrations of China behind him with his first victory since the 2014 Brazilian GP five months ago.
“China was a frustrating weekend for me and I’m glad we have another race right away to get straight back to work,” said Rosberg. “I know I just need to find a little bit more in myself to get back to the top step.
“I’ve never won in Bahrain but I’ve taken the last two pole positions here and also set the fastest lap at this circuit on my debut, so I know I have the pace.”
He’s hoping for a repeat of the 2014 race which saw him and Hamilton battle for several laps, but he’s looking for a different outcome this season.
“Of course, everyone remembers the race last year and it would be great for the fans if we can put on another great show for them this time,” he added. “If we can do that but with the two top steps in a different order it would be fantastic!”
Meanwhile Hamilton heads to Bahrain with the momentum in his favour and he hopes to capitalise on that to take his third win of the year.
“I was really buzzing after the result in China,” he said. “As always, though, my thoughts have been completely focused on the next race from the moment we left the circuit on Sunday.
“I’m in a good place right now. The momentum is with me, so the target is to carry that on and hopefully repeat last year’s performance.”
