Spanish GP controversy a thing of the past - Rosberg

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There's nothing like a good day's work to overcome a bad weekend, according to Nico Rosberg.

Following his close encounter and clash with team mate Lewis Hamilton on the first lap of last Sunday's Spanish GP, Rosberg says that the episode is now over and in the past. He has moved on.

"It's always very hard work because we are fighting for the championship for the last three years," Rosberg commented yesterday during testing in Barcelona.

"But, on the other hand, we're also running for the team at the same time, so it's hard work but also nice, because we push each other.

"Obviously it didn't go well for us on Sunday, but our relationship remains as before.

"I don't even think about it anymore, for me it's way in the past and it surprises me that people are talking about it. But I understand it. For me, though, it's over."

"In the end we're here to fight for the win, to fight against each other. That's what the team wants too, that's what brings excitement within the team and, obviously, it didn't go well last Sunday.

"But that's past, so let's look ahead – I don't think about it anymore and I was focused on the test, on doing well today, to understand everything and I've learned quite a few things today."

As usual when controversy hits Formula 1, everybody pitches in and, through innuendo or gossip, rumors emerge.

The latest so-called hearsay, probably generated by the usual suspects in the Italian media, is putting together a story claiming that Nico Rosberg had started talks with Ferrari over a 2017 seat with the Scuderia.

It's a fact that the German's contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the current campaign but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said that negotiations were in the closing stages, with a positive conclusion hopefully not far off..

Regardless, a driver of Rosberg's calibre must always be open to other opportunities, as he himself implied yesterday.

"I'm happy at Mercedes, but let's see what the future brings," he said.

LIVE: Barcelona post-race test - Day 2

Spanish Grand Prix - Quotes of the weekend

DRIVER RATINGS: Spanish Grand Prix

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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.