Nico Rosberg won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year and a repeat performance this time around is high on his agenda as he heads for the 2016 Formula 1 title showdown at Yas Marina Circuit.
A win at the season finale will seal the world title for Rosberg in style, but really all he needs to do is finish behind his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton to do the business and take home his first F1 world championship crown.
Speaking ahead of the season decider, Rosberg said, “I have great memories from winning at this track last year and it’s somewhere I’ve usually been strong in the past, so I have every reason to feel confident.”
“It feels great to be in the World Championship battle with Lewis for a third year in a row. I will give it everything to end the season with a win.”
Rosberg has not won a grand prix since he triumphed at Suzuka in October, and has watched while Hamilton has powered to victory in the three races since then. Most recently Rosberg finished second to Hamilton in the rain affected Brazilian Grand Prix.
Rosberg said, “I’ve had a great week, relaxing and catching up with my family and friends, so I feel like I’m in a good place. In Brazil, after the race, I was joking that I would still be taking things one race at a time. But, the more I think about it, the more that’s actually not as crazy as it sounds. ”
“I have to treat this like any other race. Doing a good job on a Grand Prix weekend is always a challenge. Nothing in this sport is easy, so this won’t be any different and I still have to go all out for a good result.”
“The closer it gets, the more I’m feeling excited. It will be a big battle and hopefully the fans will get a great show to end the year,” added Rosberg, who like Hamilton, will be hunting a tenth victory of the season in Abu Dhabi.