Rosberg: I'm in it to win it not to settle for second best

Nico Rosberg has seen his Formula 1 championship points lead slashed from 43 points to nine in a mere three race weekends, with his nemesis and fellow Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton on the receiving end of some good fortune that in turn has eluded his German teammate.

When asked by media, ahead of the European Grand Prix, if he knew he was no longer considered outright favourite for the 2016 F1 title, Rosberg quipped, "I did not, but thanks for notifying me. If you have written me off... I have not read your script."

"The fact remains that I feel good and I am excited. The car is incredible, I can win this race. I've always said I do not count the points, I have not done it before and I do not do it now. It did not work the last time in Montreal, but now we are here and I want to win this race."

At the recent Canadian Grand Prix Rosberg endured an incident packed race, finishing fifth while Hamilton picked up his second win of the season.

“Canada unfortunately didn’t work out as planned. But that’s how things go when you’re pushing the limits and I’m not going to change my approach or start backing down. I’m in this Championship battle to win it – not to settle for second best.”

The all new Baku Street Circuit has already grabbed headlines as some drivers questioned the safety of certain elements of the never before used for racing venue.

Rosberg is wary of what is likely to be a challenging weekend, “Now we head to Baku, which is going to be a massive challenge. It’s a completely new track and a street circuit too, which makes it even more difficult. I’ve done some work in the simulator, of course, to get a feel for what to expect and to learn the layout.”

Having won the first four races of the season, Rosberg accepts that his rivals have upped the ante as the season has progressed and that Hamilton is not his only rival for victories in the remaining races.

“Ferrari and Red Bull are very close to our pace now," insisted Rosberg. "Any tiny difference we can find this weekend could make the difference. I’m excited to get out there, get to know the track and a new city and hopefully get myself back to the top after a tough few races.”