Mercedes GP driver Nico Rosberg surprised at Fernando Alonso’s statement
Fernando Alonso surprised Mercedes GP driver, Nico Rosberg by calling his teammate Michael Schumacher as the biggest threat for the upcoming 2011 Formula One season.
The German dominated all the Formula One tracks and seasons last decade, as he bagged five consecutive championships from 2000 to 2004. However, Alonso broke his winning spell by defeating him in 2005 and 2006. Following two consecutive
defeats, the race icon Schumacher announced his retirement.
Only after a gap of three years, the most successful racing driver in the sport’s history made his comeback amidst great hype and fanfare at the beginning of the 2010 season. However, the return of the superstar did not turn out
to be as anticipated. He was not able to finish anywhere better than 9th place in the drivers’ standings and ended 70 points adrift his teammate, a junior driver, Rosberg.
The Spaniard strangely stated, "The most dangerous Champion for me is always Michael. Now in January if I have to choose one name I have to say Michael. He is seven-time Champion, he has nothing to prove. He had a difficult season
but he is still a Champion. He is still super class and if the car is right he will be a contender."
Meanwhile, reporters approached Rosberg last Sunday to know as to what he had to say about Alonso’s statement, considering the fact that he performed far better than Schumacher throughout the year. He replied, "No, that doesn't
interest me. But I found it a bit strange. Why not say Red Bull will be his nearest rival? That would be obvious."
Red Bull bagged both the Drivers’ as well as the Constructors’ Championship last season. After having brought the fastest car on the track in 2009 and 2010, the team is once again expected to feature a supersonic speed car on the
2011 tracks. Moreover, both its drivers, Sebastian Vettel, the reigning world champ, and Mark Webber are hoping to put up spectacular performances this year as well.
While talking about his plans and aspirations for the upcoming season Nico said that he is looking forward to a far stronger year ahead. The German also confirmed that he will have the honour of launching the Mercedes GP 2011 car,
W02 at Valencia. He believes that it will be a big moment for him and was thankful to his team for providing him with the opportunity. "I am going first... It will be interesting to see how it (the car) feels. You know pretty quickly how good it is going to
be."
When asked about how he would like the next season to be for him, he told the reporters that his primary goal is to claim as many pole positions as he can, and bag some race wins as well. However, he downplayed his chances of being
able to grab the first championship of his career this season. He concluded saying that a championship is his ultimate goal and he will strive hard to get it, yet it is too early for him to make any claims.
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