'I'm not backing down' - Rosberg

Nico Rosberg insists the title race is "definitely not over yet" despite Lewis Hamilton's commanding lead.

Hamilton's victory at Suzuka extended his advantage over Rosberg to 48 points with five rounds remaining, giving Hamilton a cushion of almost two race victories. However, Rosberg says he still believes he can come back against his team-mate in the coming races.

"Once I got back from Japan, I was able to focus on the positive elements from my weekend in Suzuka: pole position, the on-track pass on Bottas and then having the speed to undercut Vettel's Ferrari at the second pit-stop," Rosberg said.

"I'm not backing down in my fight for the championship and gaining those positions back fair and square showed that. We have five races to go and, although the championship gap to Lewis is quite big, in my mind it's definitely not over yet."

And Rosberg says he is motivated by the knowledge that he has a car capable of winning all of the remaining five races this season.

"The way the whole team has performed this year - from the factories to the garage - has been just incredible and I have the car I need to get back to the top step.

"I really enjoyed our first trip to Russia last year and it was an awesome weekend for the team - one that I will always remember after seeing all the hard work they've put in during my time here. So, I'm aiming to put all those tools they've given me to good use and bring home a top result."