'Merc want Rosberg until 2016'

[Dare]

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.    Mercedes GP are reportedly seeking a long-term contract with Nico Rosberg, enticing him with the offer of building the team around him.

With Mercedes having purchased the 2009 Championship-winning Brawn GP team, rebranding it Mercedes GP, the outfit opted for an all-German line-up with Rosberg teaming up with Michael Schumacher.

But it's been the younger German and not the seven-time F1 World Champion who has led Mercedes GP's charge.

Rosberg trounced Schumacher in 2010 and again this season he has found himself well ahead of his team-mate in the Drivers' Championship.

This has reportedly prompted Mercedes GP to concede that it is Rosberg and not Schumacher who is the team's future.

And the German outfit's team bosses are now keen to ensure that Rosberg remains a part of their future with Sport Bild claiming they are keen to sign him until 2016.

"I count on the fact that he will be with us in 2012, and if it comes down to me, he will be here much longer," said Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug.

And the team is willing to offer Rosberg a tidy sum for his loyalty.

Not only will his salary increase to ten million per year, but they will also build the team around him, giving him automatic number one status.


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[markfarrell9572]

Apart from nationality WHY?

[Alianora La Canta]

Because he's doing better than Schumi and that's not to be sneezed at.

[Scott]

Rosberg being given guaranteed #1 status means two things:

1. Schumacher will retire at the end of this season.

2. Massa or Barrichello's careers could go longer   

[David]

An offer he shouldn't refuse. 

[Williamsfan]

Nico is a fantastic driver but has just not had the car to show off his talent which is a shame.  Not surprised Mercedes want to tie him down.  Williams have seriously missed his race pace since he left, he can drag a car way above it's natural position.

[John S]

Yeah we know Rosberg is a pretty capable driver, but is he one of that special breed who can win consitently and take the team with him to the top. Why offer a contract of that lengh, he's had several years in F1 and hasn't come close let alone won a race yet for christ sake.  

We know why Alonso got offered a contract until 2016, he's a double world champ who still has the fire, hunger and ability. Surely even Haug must know that tying up one seat in the team for so long really reduces the options if Nico, your anointed No 1, turns into a Trulli or Heidfeld.   

Oh and what happens when Di Resta takes the number 2 seat, next year or the year after, and starts outpacing him. Then again maybe Merc likes the experienced one to keep a fatherly eye out by following the younger son home. to see he gets there ok.   

[Scott]

I'm with you John.  For me the jury is still out on Rosberg.  He seems to be able to take  a car to it's potential, but not beyond.  I don't think Brawn can call him up on the radio and ask him to pull out 4-5 Q laps to make a strategy work.  I would sign him long term if there was no chance I could get Hamilton, Vettel or Alonso on board, but I'm not so sure I would sign him that long AND guarantee him #1 status for the term of his contract without plenty of escape clauses.

[David]

I really like Rosberg, he has become an important character within F1 and one that would be missed if he were not there. However reading John's post I can't help but agree with points you raise. 

[Jericoke]

Look how long Button, or Hakkinen toiled before finally delivering on their promise.

They can't all be Hamilton, Alonso or Vettel stepping into the perfect car at a young age.

(I'm sure the family name, and German nationality bring in plenty of sponsorship too.)

[John S]

Look how long Button, or Hakkinen toiled before finally delivering on their promise.

They can't all be Hamilton, Alonso or Vettel stepping into the perfect car at a young age.

(I'm sure the family name, and German nationality bring in plenty of sponsorship too.)

Button delivered in 2004 Jeri when he came third in the title race behind the all conquering Ferrari machines of Michael & Rubens. Scoring nearly three times the points of his teamate, pushing Honda to 2nd in the constructors. The year before, his third in F1, he outscored Villeneuve in his own BAR team, again by nearly 3 to 1.
In the years following the Honda cars was never up to the job, however he managed a win for Honda in Hungary in 06 and as soon as the car was good enough, with Brawn in 09, he took the WDC.

Rosberg is now in his sixth season and has never scored higher than 7th in the drivers title, he may suprise us all and get a win this year, but I'm not basing my GG picks on that.