'Tough' season ahead for Schumacher, says Rosberg

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Reigning world champion Nico Rosberg believes Mick Schumacher faces a difficult challenge this year as he graduates to Formula 3.

Rosberg obvioulsy knows what it's like to move up the ladder with a famous motor sport name and the huge expectations that go with it.

"Once you're asked about it 100 times, it starts to get on your nerves," said Rosberg, whose father conquered the world title in 1982.

"The expectations are very high."

The 17-year-old Schumacher will contest this year's European Formula 3 Championship with the Prema Powerteam outfit.

Todt on Mick Schumacher: 'Don't put the boy under pressure!'

But the series is massively competitive, just as it was when Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton were racing in the junior league.

"I just read somewhere that Mick is a favourite for the F3 title. But he is only in his first year!

"Lewis (Hamilton) was fifth in his first year of Formula 3. In my opinion you need two years to be successful there," said Rosberg.

""But if it's already being written that Mick is the favourite, then he can only disappoint.

"That's tough. I have a lot of sympathy for him because I know what it's like. I can only hope that he takes after his father and takes no notice of it."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.