Nico Rosberg is hoping to start closing the twenty-eight-point gap in the championship to Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team-mate Lewis Hamilton this weekend at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the home of the Italian Grand Prix.
Rosberg admitted his Belgian Grand Prix weekend two weeks ago ended up being one of disappointment despite salvaging a second place finish after a horror start saw him fall down to sixth.
He also knows he has to raise his game during qualifying on Saturday to stop the momentum of championship leader Hamilton, and feels he has the car to be able to take the fight to his team-mate both on Saturdays and Sundays.
“The race in Spa was definitely disappointing,” insisted Rosberg. “My start was not good so I need to work on that and also on finding those extra tenths in qualifying to get back on top there.
“I know I have the car underneath me to get pole and the win every time with this incredible machine the team have built, so nothing less will do.”
Rosberg is eager for another trip to the Monza podium, but is looking to go one better than in 2014 when, whilst leading, he twice took a trip through the turn one run-off and handed an easy victory to team-mate Hamilton.
“Monza is next and I can’t wait to try out this season’s Silver Arrow there,” added Rosberg. “I’m sure it will suit our car and it’s a circuit I really enjoy, so all the ingredients are there for a strong weekend.
“I’m sure the Tifosi will want a red car to be on the top step but, whatever the result, you know they will create an unbelievable atmosphere. Standing on the podium last year was a great experience and the target is to be one step higher this time around.”
