Rosberg: Button move 'a bit surprising'

Sunday 22nd November 2009

The man expected to replace Jenson Button at Mercedes GP, Nico Rosberg, says the World Champion's move to McLaren is "a bit surprising".

Barely a month after winning his maiden World Championship, Button sensationally decided to quit the Brackley-based outfit in favour of McLaren.

The move raised quite a few eyebrows. Even Rosberg was slightly taken aback, describing it as "a bit surprising and [an] interesting step" during a PR event for Allianz at the Hungaroring.

While Rosberg's move to Mercedes is expected to be confirmed over the next few days, the identity of his future team-mate remains a mystery. Several drivers from Michael Schumacher to Kimi Raikkonen have been linked with the seat.

The German says he hopes his team-mate isn't a "completely egocentric person".

"It's nice to have someone you can get on with, it's nice to have someone who isn't a completely egocentric person that just thinks about himself and tries to trick the other driver, because there is lots work you have to do together."

The 24-year-old Rosberg confirmed late in October that he is leaving Williams after four years and insists change will be good for him.

"I've been at Williams for four years and it's good for me to see something else," he said.

"That will give me the opportunity to see how another team works, and also develop as a driver. And I also wanted to have the opportunity to make the next step to get a car with which I can win races.

"I'm looking forward to next year, because I'm changing teams, and I think I will have a good chance of doing well and having a very competitive car, wherever I'll be driving."

Your Comments

royksa

"Jenson Button has every right to swap teams. We forget that he stuck with Ross Brawn and it payed well for both of them. Does anyone thikg the sale to Mercedes left Ross Brawn short of Petty Cash?? As he clearly stated it was the best move, and so in reality was Button's move to McClaren. Now we have two Brits to cheer in the same team. Which is a nice thought. I would be amazed if Ross Brawn thinks any less of Button and vice-versa. Button took the big bucks, and good luck to him, nerly every sportsman that ever lived chased down the bucks. It helps make up for the periods when they struggled to get to the top. How many people would actually turn down a massive pay rise to go and work for another company......Not many I'd bet!! If McClaren stick by their equality to both drivers and also have a competitive car then the sparks will fly. I have doubts about all the bonhomie being declared by both drivers. The nature of the sport is pure Concentration so Tunnel vision is the norm, this make you single minded and therefore basically selfish by nature. There is no true camaraderie in F1, just look at ruling bodies of the sport, they are barely on speaking terms!!!! Anyway Nico Rosberg as a Mercedes Team Driver.....MMMMmmmmm...He is an adequate driver, and will do well IF...and a Big IF, he has a competitive set of wheels, but world championship Material???? I think the Jury is still out on that one!!"

hc1uk

"exactly right Chylout Brawn Toyota Williams seen the loophole the rest didnt. not illegal in any way Brawn did the best job"

ayamGoreng

"I think, Button moves was a brave one and i think, he can stand anything that is going to happen at Mclaren because of his decision. It's funny when people said that Jense is stupid for singing with Mclaren. I think that's great because it shows he has the guts to take the challange. And all the people who claimed that he is stupid, then they are who got no balls. Shame to be a man. I hope, those who are commented that are women. "

dweeb

"You can't even say Nico is overrated because that designation needs to follow some level of success. He likely wanted JB so he can perform well against his co-driver. The reality is, and I can't believe anyone wouldn't agree, his worst fears would be realized with Kimi in the other car. If the car is fast, which I'm not so sure it will be, Kimi would be motivated to win, and do just that. Nico is a career #2, sorry but it's the truth. Even when Honda had that horrible car two years ago Rubens almost pulled one out of his rear. A good driver needs to do that. An average driver can't. The only question really is who will be the other driver? Kimi is getting his seat fitting for the WRC so I'm guessing another #2 will get signed bt Merc and they'll struggle to finish #3 in the constructors title."

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