Nico Rosberg has admitted that the pressure is on Mercedes GP to win the World Championship next year, amid continued speculation that Michael Schumacher could be on his way to the outfit.
Schumacher and Mercedes chiefs have been in talks about a tie-up for 2010 – and the rumors have intensified with Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo saying on Monday that he would have no problems in releasing Schumacher from his commitments to the Maranello-based team. Rosberg, who is the only confirmed driver for Mercedes GP so far, hopes the situation is sorted out soon.
"At the moment it's me driving both cars – I can choose between the two," he said during an appearance for Mercedes-Benz in Abu Dhabi. "I hope that my teammate will be sorted out pretty soon, and at the moment the rumors are very strong for Michael Schumacher. I've no idea if it's true or not but obviously if he joins, that would be an absolutely fantastic move."
Rosberg has admitted that following the takeover of Brawn GP, Mercedes needs to deliver just as much on track in 2010 as the Brackley, UK-based outfit did in 2009.
"Well, we're the reigning World Champions: anything other than winning a World Championship is a step back," he said. "That has to be the goal: to win races and win the World Championship."