Mercedes keen to ensure ‘fair competition’ in title fight

Mercedes executive director Paddy Lowe says the team is striving to ensure “fair competition” between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg as they battle it out for the 2016 Formula One title.

After wrapping up the Constructors’ championship last month, Mercedes is poised to add a third consecutive Drivers’ crown since only its duo remains in contention.

• What Rosberg needs to do to win the title in Brazil

Rosberg enters this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix with a 19-point lead over his team-mate, who has suffered several setbacks due to the German manufacturer’s less than perfect engine reliability this year.

“The Drivers' Championship is getting very exciting with only two races to go,” Lowe said. “That's the big focus of everyone's thoughts and, as usual, we will do our very best to treat this as a normal race - approaching the weekend with the highest levels of discipline and an overriding objective to ensure we provide both drivers with the best equipment for a fair competition.”

Rosberg, who dominated the past two editions of the Brazilian GP, can seal the title by making it three consecutive wins at Interlagos on Sunday.

Hamilton, for his part, will be keen to break his duck at the historic Autodromo José Carlos Pace, having never tasted victory in nine attempts.

“Interlagos is a great track - quite a short lap, with a lot of elevation changes,” Lowe added, speaking of the popular venue. “Similar to Mexico City although not to the same extreme, São Paulo has slightly lower air pressure than the normal ambient, which has an effect on drag.

“The race weekend is also often affected by rain, which can make it an extremely challenging few days both on and off track.

“Another interesting feature of this circuit is the long run up the hill from the final corner to the first, which provides a good overtaking opportunity.

“It's not easy to pass there but it's definitely possible, which usually leads to close racing and some bold moves through that particular sequence.”

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