Rosberg: 'Ferrari won't keep up with Mercedes'

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Reigning world champion Nico Rosberg believes Mercedes will ultimately emerge as the winner in its fierce battle with Ferrari this season.

As he sits on the sidelines watching the action, Rosberg offers his expert opinion on the titanic battle at the front in which he sees his former team edging out its rival, starting at the next race at Spa.

"Ferrari did a really great job over the winter," Rosberg told Sport Bild.

"But from now on it is a development race.

"And I find it hard to believe that Ferrari can keep up. After Silverstone I already thought 'That's it now' and was surprised to see Ferrari fight back in Hungary.

"But Spa will once again be a real Mercedes track and Ferrari is unlikely to have a chance," he added.

Rosberg recognises however that both former team mate Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas are up against a formidable opponent in the person of Sebastian Vettel.

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The German driver is perhaps prone to outbursts,a s his behaviour in Baku revealed, but he is also a strong character with a winning mentality insists Rosberg.

"We know that he does not control his emotions sometimes," Rosberg said.

"Last year we already saw that on the radio in Mexico.

"But this thick skin in the consequences of such an action is also a strength of Sebastian's," he explained.

"In the short term and in the moment it may seem weak, but over a whole season that can actually make the difference.

"His basic character, in spite of everything else, is poised for victory, and that cannot hurt."

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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.