Nico Rosberg says being quicker than team-mate Lewis Hamilton “just gives that little bit extra” ahead of the new season.
Mercedes has shown impressive pace on the soft compound tyre, with Rosberg setting the fastest time of the two tests in Barcelona on Friday. Having been 0.3s quicker than Hamilton, Rosberg says he will take encouragement from being the faster of the two during pre-season.
“I’m happy to be quickest, it’s better than not being quickest for sure,” Rosberg said. “Of course it’s not worth much in winter testing but it just gives that little bit extra so it’s always useful.”
Asked on Saturday if it meant anything to him that Rosberg would finish the final test with the quicker time, Hamilton simply replied: “Nope”.
Focusing on Mercedes’ pre-season overall, Rosberg says he’s confident the team will have the fastest car for the opening flyaway races.
“I’m pleased with the winter because I think we’ve done a good job with the development of the car. That’s not to say others aren’t also quick but I’m optimistic enough for the first couple of races.
“We have a good car, I’ve been comfortable, have been quick now through these days - also setting the best time of the whole winter test here in Barcelona - so things are going in the right direction.”
The final day of testing as it happened
Click here for the gallery from day four of the final test
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
