Rosberg still approaching championship one race at a time

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If Nico Rosberg's smile and body language in the Austin cool off room was anything to go by, the German appeared perfectly content with his second place finish at the US Grand Prix.

Rosberg denied racing with a conservative attitude however, and admitting to even be disappointed by his day out on the track while praising Lewis Hamilton's achievement.

"I really wanted to win the US Grand Prix today and it didn't work out, so I'm obviously not excited, " said Rosberg.

"Lewis did a great job this weekend, it was his weekend. He did a good job in qualifying and nailed the start and the race also.

"There was nothing I could have done even though I was feeling really good out there. I had great pace and towards the end of the race I was pushing like mad to try and put slight pressure on him [Lewis], but it wasn't enough of course."

Rosberg knew at the outset that he would be under threat from Daniel Riccardo's SuperSoft-shod Red Bull on the run up to Turn 1, and on the exit.

"I had a good start and chose the outside because on the inside I wasn't going to get by because Lewis would not have allowed that.

"It just didn't work out, he [Ricciardo] just had that little bit more grip on the exit. It was to be expected that with the SuperSoft it was going to tough against him."

With three races to go, Rosberg still leads the championship standings by 26 points, but the German insisted he was still approaching his business one race at a time, and with the ambition of winning.

"I'm well aware of the championship situation, it's exciting to be in that battle. To do the best possible job is keeping things simple. That's what I like to do and that's been feeling good to me.

"When I get to the next race in Mexico I'm going to go for the win, because I would love to get the win there."

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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.