Rosberg targets Oz podium

German driver says Melbourne track better suits their car

Last updated: 18th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rosberg targets Oz podium

Rosberg: Super duel with Schumacher

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Mercedes GP have set their sights on a podium finish at next weekend's Australian Grand Prix, according to Nico Rosberg.

The Brackley-based team, who won the Constructors' Championship last season as Brawn GP, were off the pace of frontrunners Ferrari and Red Bull in the season opener in Bahrain, with Rosberg finishing fifth, one place ahead of team-mate Michael Schumacher.

Rosberg, though, is confident that Melbourne's Albert Park circuit is better suited to their MGP-W01 chassis.

"The track suits us better than the one in Bahrain," the 24-year-old German told Bild. "We are aiming to get our first podium. I don't think that we will both be on the podium, but one of us could do it."

Rosberg both outqualified and outraced his seven-times World Champion team-mate in the Middle East and admitted the result gave him immense satisfaction.

"I am happy that I finished ahead of Michael," he said. "There is a 'super duel' between the two us and it will get even tougher as the season progresses.

"It is important to beat your team-mate as he drives the same car."