Rosberg: Voice stronger after Schumacher F1 exit

Nico Rosberg thinks his voice is now heard more loudly at Mercedes following the departure of seven time world champion Michael Schumacher.

Although German Rosberg generally outperformed Schumacher during their joint tenure between 2010 and last year, the 27-year-old suggested he wielded less political power.

Asked if his role has changed since Lewis Hamilton signed up for 2013, Rosberg told Austria's Krone newspaper: "Yes, a lot.

"I now have a stronger voice, and for me it's been a great process in which I can help Mercedes to become the best team."

Rosberg said being friends with former karting teammate Hamilton has also been a help, because finding common ground within the team is "easier".

Having secured pole in Bahrain but fallen through the field with overheating tyres, Rosberg said he is looking forward to Barcelona next weekend.

"A lot," he told Osterreich. "I was fastest there in winter testing.

"I am confident we will sort out our tyre problems."

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Leopold

Leopold Pleijsier founded F1-Fansite.com in 2001 and has followed Formula 1 since the early 1980s. He writes about daily F1 news, race weekends, drivers and the sport’s history.

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