Nico Rosberg: We do not consider this transitional season

On Thursday Nico Rosberg is back behind the wheel of the Mercedes W04 on the tests in Barcelona, and on the eve answered the questions of journalists Spanish Marca about the upcoming season. . .

Question: Everyone says that this season will be a transition for Mercedes...
Nico Rosberg: No, we do not consider this transitional season. The team has undergone a change in leadership, the impact of which we will notice in the future, but the engineers working on the machine remained the same.

Question: on Tuesday, you had the best time on Wednesday, Lewis Hamilton drove a lap behind 1:22,7 seconds on the hard tyres. It seems that Mercedes W04 - fast machine?
Nico Rosberg: I am happy with the machine. Me from the very first day thought that the engineers did a good job, I feel comfortable behind the wheel. I have a positive impression of novelty.

Question: the New machine will return to the level that you showed last year in China, when he won the first race?
Nico RosbergI don't think so. In China I was much faster, but we couldn't maintain this form throughout the season.

Question: But the new machine will allow you to win some races?
Nico Rosberg: I'd like, but the reality is that at the end of last season we at the circle behind the leaders. This gap is difficult to play for one winter, there is nobody in the place, all teams improve the machine. However, I think we will be able to reduce the backlog, we will be able to modify the car with the same speed as the rest of us failed to do last year.

Question: do you think the invitation of Lewis Hamilton will increase the effectiveness of the team?
Nico RosbergLast year my partner was a seven-time world champion. However, the arrival of another pilot is also new ideas that benefit all of us.

Question: How difficult is it Lewis will settle into a new team?
Nico Rosberg: Actually, not difficult. He quickly adapted to the car and already shows a quick time.

Question: are You expecting a difficult internal team duel, both of you are practically never lost companions?
Nico Rosberg: Not really, mark Webber was ahead of me in the individual competition in my debut season. Lewis also almost always turned out to be faster companions. Of course, I'm expecting a difficult year, because he is one of the best pilots in the world, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to compete with him at the wheel of identical machines.

Question: When you will understand whether Mercedes to claim victory?
Nico RosbergIn Melbourne, not before. Only stage in Australia will assess the balance of power. Last year we were quick in qualifying but in the race the race the car lacked speed. Let's see how W04 interacts with rubber. If tire wear is not as fast as last year, we will have a chance.

Question: How do you see the balance of power? Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel will again be ahead?
Nico Rosberg: Most likely, Yes. All will strive to stay ahead of Red Bull, but such questions cannot be completely sure.

Question: Your younger countryman won three League titles in a row...
Nico Rosberg: This is an incredible achievement, but Sebastian is very fast and strong pilot. He and his team deserved this result - they did a fantastic job.

Question: do You think that could win the title in Red Bull?
Nico Rosberg: Don't know, I don't like to think about such things. I work for Mercedes and happy in this team. One day we will become the best.

Question: How do you assess the battle Alonso and Vettel in 2012?
Nico Rosberg: Alonso had a fantastic season. I think he deserved the title.