Rosberg: I've got nothing to lose

In keeping with the party line, Nico Rosberg has spoken out in favour of Merc's decision to sign Michael Schumacher, saying he "couldn't dream" of a better team-mate.

Having joined Mercedes GP in the off-season, Rosberg was largely expecting to team up with 2009 World Champion Jenson Button. However, a breakdown in the Brit's talks over wages led to Button opting instead to sign for McLaren.

This left Rosberg without a team-mate, which almost instantly sparked rumours that seven-time World Champion Schumacher could make a remarkable return to the sport. This was finally confirmed in December.

And although some believe Schumacher's signing may not be the best thing for his younger German team-mate, Rosberg insists he couldn't have asked for a better outcome.

"It's (the winter) been... how shall I say this? Interesting," Rosberg told L'Equipe sports newspaper. "But to tell you the truth it hasn't been easy to live through.

"I signed with Brawn, but there remained the uncertainty over the Mercedes buyout. That was very important to me, it made the move from Williams make sense.

"I thought I was going to be Button's team-mate, then he went to McLaren and I was really surprised. At that time there was no talk of Michael.

"In motor sport you need a reference and this is unbelievable - I've got the very best there is next to me - you couldn't dream for more. I've nothing to lose.

"I've got THE reference point in F1 - in ten, or even fifty years from now people will be talking about Michael Schumacher. And the most important thing is that we will have equal equipment."

There is some speculation that Rosberg could face a tougher challenge than just Schumacher on his own as the former Ferrari driver has more often than not had number one status within his team.

The 24-year-old has spoken with team boss Ross Brawn, the man who was behind all seven of Schumacher's World titles, about the situation.

"I know he (Schumacher) is his (Brawn) friend and it was important to clarify the situation and erase all doubts which might fester in the team. I've got the weapons to fight against the best driver off all time."

But despite what he says there are already cries of favouritism after he was asked to give the number '3' car to Schumacher. Rosberg, though, isn't fazed about it.

"When I win in Bahrain - that's my goal - no-one will care any more about the numbers on the cars."

Source: Rosberg: I've got nothing to lose - Planet-F1 News from planet-f1.com