Rubens's comments to be expected, Schu beat him

Nico Rosberg has shrugged off Rubens Barrichello's comment he should quit Mercedes now before being overshadowed by seven-times Champion team-mate Michael Schumacher this season.

There was a tongue-in-cheek element to Barrichello's remark, but there was also a grain of truth given the Brazilian spent six years as stooge to Schumacher during their time at Ferrari.

Asked if there was any advice he would give Rosberg, Barrichello replied with a smile: "Yeah. Get out of there!"

Following the second day of the opening pre-season test in Valencia and after further seat issues that resulted in him finishing fifth of the seven drivers overall, Rosberg was asked for his response.

"From his point of view, he was beaten for six years, so from him it doesn't surprise me he has said that," countered Rosberg.

"I am confident I can do well. I don't have a problem, although it is going to be challenging of course because I'm up against one of the greatest of all time.

"I am also quite strong, so I'm not too worried, and in general I'm going to go for it and we will see what comes out of it.

"If I am ahead, great. If I am behind, I need to work harder."

'Rubens's comments to be expected, Schu beat him' - Planet-F1 News from planet-f1.com