Nico Rosberg confident ahead of next season

Nico Rosberg, the German driver, is confident that Mercedes are a much improved team and have resolved their issues, especially from last season where they finished a disappointing fifth.

Mercedes’ efforts last year were undermined due to their rear tyres, forcing the team to pit earlier than their rivals. This year, though, things look different and Nico firmly believes the team has a solution in their new W04 car.

Speaking to Formula1.com he said: “The car is definitely a big step forward, It feels very nice to drive with a good balance. It is a massive step, take the rear for example, we had massive problems with tyre heating and losing grip and all that. That seems to be history now. And that is really a massive change.”

Asked whether Mercedes have taken a step closer to the front, Rosberg replied: “I can feel it, but you can also see the progress in the factory. It is faster, working better, taking much less time to turn things around.

“Of course what is visible immediately is more people are working towards our goal.”

Mercedes had a disappointing start to testing, losing almost two full days at Jerez. However, at Barcelona, the UK based team appeared to have ironed out their issues.

“That’s why we are testing – to eliminate them,” Rosberg said. “I was not worried at all and I was much more enthusiastic about the speed that we have.”