German enjoyed taking on extra responsibility in Australia
Tuesday 22 March 2016 13:57, UK
Nico Rosberg has praised F1 for limiting pit to car communication during races, stating that he enjoyed the extra responsibility in Australia.
The German emerged victorious at the season-opening grand prix in Melbourne where teams could no longer give their drivers detailed information on topics such as engine modes and the tyres rivals were using.
Rosberg could regularly be heard asking the team for advice on where to make up time or information on strategy in recent years, but says he has enjoyed the change.
"I think the direction we have taken is good, to really give us more responsibility ourselves in the race," Rosberg said.
"It is a good challenge, a tough challenge, but most importantly the fans think it is the right direction because they were saying all these instructions on the radio got annoying. So it is great."
Despite taking the early championship lead, Rosberg downplayed the significance of his victory in Australia and doesn't see it as a springboard for a title challenge.
"I don't think about it in that sense," he said. "I am happy to beat everybody, I enjoyed the battle with Lewis and the Ferraris and I am looking forward to the next races for that battle.
"It is going to be good for sure and I am going to try and come out on top."
Rather than talking up his chances, Rosberg rejected suggestions this was an extension of the momentum built up with three consecutive race wins at the end of 2015.
"This season was starting from scratch for everybody so I don't think about the previous season at all," Rosberg added.
"It is the first race of the season, win it great, but there is a long way to go so I am not getting overly excited because there are 21 races, 20 to go."
Don't miss the F1 Report for all the reaction and analysis from the Australian GP. Natalie Pinkham is joined by David Brabham and former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley on Wednesday at 8:30pm on Sky F1.
