Nico Rosberg is confident he'll be able to match seven-times World Champion Michael Schumacher at Mercedes this year.
With Schumacher returning to F1 following a three-year absence, all the focus has been on whether or not he can win another title. Rosberg though is determined to give his more esteemed team-mate a good run for his money.
"I'm going into the season very optimistically," said Rosberg. "I feel very, very comfortable in the car, very confident.
"But at the same time I know it's going to be as difficult as ever, because obviously I have a rather strong team-mate. So we'll have to wait and see.
"My motivation is to work with Michael and try to help the team have a strong car, because without a strong car we won't be able to do anything. And I think until now we've done quite well, but we need to keep pushing. And as the season goes on it's important that we get some very strong results.
"Your closest comparison is your team-mate, so my aim this year is too look good compared to my team-mate, of course."
The 24-year-old moved to Mercedes this year after a couple of tough seasons at Williams. The German admits it's great to finally have a car that can compete at the front.
"For sure I have a lot to gain this year, because it's the first time I have a very competitive car, hopefully," he said. "We are not sure yet, but hopefully we'll have a very competitive car.
"And so I look forward to it, to get some really strong results this year, to be on a level playing field with Michael and things like that."
