Rosberg: 2009 increased my stock in F1

Tuesday 10th November 2009

Nico Rosberg says Williams' "decent" 2009 car played a huge role in helping him move on to a team capable of fighting for race wins and World titles.

Rosberg finished seventh in the Drivers' Championship this season, having scored 34.5 points, the total sum of Williams' campaign as he soundly trounced team-mate Kazuki Nakajima.

However, his days at Williams are over with Rosberg confirming his departure prior to the team announcing their 2010 line-up.

And although the German's new team has yet to be revealed, rumours claims he's off to Championship winners Brawn GP next season.

"This season has been an important year for me, because I really saw it as a kind of stepping stone to have the chance to fight for race wins next year and even the Championship," Rosberg told Williams' official podcast.

"And that's worked out fine, because thanks to everyone at Williams I had quite a decent car so I could really put in some good, consistent drives which just increased my value as a driver, so that was important. I'm quite pleased.

"Of course we would've wanted to do better - we didn't get a podium, which was a bit unfortunate because I think we should have had one at least. But anyway these things didn't come together. All in all I think it was a good year."

Next season will be Rosberg's fifth in Formula One, however, the German says he's still learning and improving his trade.

"Experience helps you to use your mind more, which will make me faster on track," Rosberg said. "It's really nice to use your mind and think about things, not only use your talent and go for it.

"Think about and analyse - there's so much you can do with all the switches, there's so much technology that you can use to your benefit to go faster every lap, and that's where I've improved a lot."

Your Comments

dgrtscorpio

"I think that Rosberg has the potential to be top driver, but he definitely slows down in a race. I think he is a quick qualifier because he has a smooth driving style but in a race where the track is crowded your racing lines are changed he does adapt well. It's hard for him to change his driving style and he ends up losing positions and does not get fast again until he has a clear track. Lewis, Alonso, Kimi and Kubica have this ability but watching Rosberg in a fast car with no excuses should be exciting but I expect a lot of crashes in the races."

Daveco

"I just don't get it, the guy could be fast on Friday practice but fold like a lawn chair in qualifying and more so race day. This winning team he brags about will tire very quickly with the same results next year. He is no way a above average driver, he is just average at best. Brawn really dropped the ball letting Rubens go in place of Nico if this is really what is going on, he could not out drive Rubens on his best day. For such a solid guy like Ross Brawn to allow this guy on his team I just do not understand. Next year I will be saying "I told you so":"

biso9700

"ardugpc "The way he ran the team"(Ron Dennis), this will be the same Ron Dennis who when faced with allegations from Prost that he favoured Senna would line up the six engines they brought to each race, and tell Prost to pick three first?"