F1 test in Jerez, Nico Rosberg: “This car will be a big step forward”

Nico Rosberg believes Mercedes have made a step forward with their new Mercedes W04, despite its short test on the opening day of the 1 Formula 2013 test.

The Brackley team were forced to abandon track work after just 11 laps today as changes will take all night after an electrical problem stopped the car on track.

But even though the reliability issue was a setback for Mercedes, Rosberg says first impressions of the car are encouraging.

“Very good, very positive,” he explained. “I can't say if it was fast or not, but I felt I was comfortable. I could push, the balance wasn't bad and it was a lot of fun to ride.”

“I can guarantee you that the machine will be a big step forward, but everyone else is moving too,” he said. “We hope to have closed the gap.”

“Last year the gap was almost more than a second at the end of the season, and we need to get closer for sure. And we will get closer."

“I think they gave us a good foundation and now it's up to us to do most of the work, discover the problems and also improve it.”

“We also need to give answers to the factory. What are the main things that we need to continue to develop. That's what it's all about, but it's going in the right direction.”