For the first time during the 2015 Formula 1 season, Nico Rosberg failed to finish on the podium in Hungary, and heads to Spa-Francorchamps this weekend refreshed after the mid-season break, eager to take the fight to Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the title race.
Rosberg admitted he would have preferred to have been racing during the mid-season break, and is eager to resume his championship challenge, especially after the disappointment of the result at the Hungaroring when a puncture, caused by a clash with Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, saw him drop from second to eighth late in the race.
“The summer break is a great chance for the team to recharge after a tough start to the year and they definitely deserve it for all the hard work in making the incredible car we’ve had so far this season,” insisted Rosberg. “But for me, personally, it’s time I’d rather be spending in the car!
“Hungary was a big disappointment and I’ve been itching to get back to racing ever since. When you’re in such a close battle for the Championship, any opportunity to gain points is crucial and it’s up to me to take those chances – but also to make them for myself.
“That’s definitely the target for the second half of the year. We’re only halfway through the season, so it’s all still to play for.”
Rosberg is looking forward to the race in Belgium this weekend, and feels the Spa-Francorchamps circuit always offers ‘spectacular’ racing.
“Spa is a fantastic circuit – a track that I think every driver enjoys and one that always produces spectacular racing,” said Rosberg. “I’m looking forward to it.”
