Nico Rosberg insists that if Michael Schumacher were to join him at Mercedes GP that he would not be the former World Champion's number two.
With rumours of Schumacher's return gaining momentum, Mercedes GP appears the seven-time World Champion's most likely destination.
The Brackley-based outfit have already confirmed youngster Nico Rosberg as one of their drivers for the 2010 season, and the former Williams man insists that even if a legend like Schumacher was to join the team he would not be the team's number two driver.
"At Mercedes, there is no hierarchy. It has always been commonplace, that there are two equal drivers," Rosberg told Bild newspaper.
"Sure, if they emerged at the end of the year that probably only one seriously fighting for the title, the team focuses on these drivers. But until then, the Mercedes philosophy is: We have two number ones," he explained.
While unwilling to take a step back for Schumacher, Rosberg is aware that he could learn from his compatriot's presence.
"I could benefit from Michael's experience, even though I myself have had experience," said Rosberg.
The 24-year is well aware that Ross Brawn's squad have a lot to live up to in the 2010 season, with the team - then known as Brawn GP - securing both the Driver's and Constructor's titles in 2009.
"Well, we're the reigning World Champions, anything other than winning a World Championship is a step back," he said during a recent appearance for Mercedes-Benz in Abu Dhabi.
"That has to be the goal: to win races and win the World Championship," he asserted.
