Rosberg: 'As a fan, I wish Alonso had replaced me at Mercedes'

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Nico Rosberg admitted that as a fan, pairing Fernando Alonso with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes would have been his preferred choice.

The reigning but retired world champion was asked by Spanish sports daily Marca about his thoughts on who should have replaced him in the Silver Arrows outfit.

"Ok, now that I'm a fan it's very easy to respond," Rosberg said.

"Everyone says Alonso and I say it too, because there would have been fireworks with Hamilton!

"As a fan it would be nice to see those sparks, but from the team side it couldn't have been and they found a great solution."

Beating Alonso not Vandoorne's main focus

Rosberg considers that Mercedes were right however to poach Valtteri Bottas from Williams.

"Bottas is fast and he beat Massa three times in a way similar to Alonso did, and now he can do very well," said the German.

"Of course Hamilton will be at a very, very high level and it will be difficult to beat him, but I proved that it is possible."

The 31-year-old also said that Mercedes will get a run for its money from its rivals this year, and especially from Red Bull.

"Mercedes is the favourite, we are three times champion, although there are teams that are dangerous, like Red Bull," he said.

"Adrian Newey and new regulations are a combination that has been successful in the past, and I've also heard that he is back with the team as he was before. Red Bull will be the second force."

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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.