Rosberg set to sign 2016 Mercedes extension
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| Nico Rosberg |
(GMM) Nico Rosberg insists he is happy at Mercedes but has admitted other teams are interested.
With German Rosberg faster than Michael Schumacher in the past two seasons but still seeking his debut victory, team boss Ross Brawn asked the 25-year-old to have "faith" in Mercedes to eventually build him a winning car.
"I have the opportunity to help the team, and it's a fantastic opportunity," Rosberg is quoted by Brazil's Globo Esporte.
"I wouldn't say I'm uncomfortable or something, I feel very comfortable in being part of a project and challenge like this.
"But of course, I am a racing driver, and above all, I want to win. I wouldn't say I'm impatient for it, but I hope for it soon. I just need to judge whether the team will be able (to win) soon, but it is a fact that the team will succeed eventually.
"The big question is when and at the moment it seems that it will still take a while."
Rosberg, linked with Ferrari, McLaren and championship leaders Red Bull, admitted that the speculation is doing him no harm.
"Obviously when there is interest from other teams it's a good thing for my career. But it's a matter of time. Nothing more than that," he said.
06/01/11 (GMM) Nico Rosberg could be the next top formula one driver under long-term contract.
Hot on the heels of Sebastian Vettel's new 2014 deal, and Fernando Alonso's tying to Ferrari through 2016, it is reported that German Rosberg could be set to sign on for five more years with Mercedes.
Sport Bild magazine said the deal is worth almost EUR 80 million in total, representing a 3 million euro pay-rise increasing by 10 per cent per season.
"I am counting on him being with us in 2012, and if it is up to me, a lot longer as well," said the German marque's motor racing vice-president Norbert Haug.
Rosberg, 25, did not deny the story.
"What I can say is that I'm really happy where I am. It remains my dream to succeed with the Silver Arrows," he said.
Sport Bild said Rosberg, if he does sign the deal, would become the highest paid driver of all time who has not won a single grand prix.
He has contested 95 grands prix to date, and if he does go on to win he will join the likes of Mika Hakkinen (96 races), Giancarlo Fisichella (110), Jenson Button (113), Jarno Trulli (118), Rubens Barrichello (123) and Mark Webber (130) as the drivers who took longest to join the ranks of F1 victors.