"I want to win and I have the opportunity to win," Mercedes driver says as he seeks to prolong title battle
Tuesday 27 October 2015 17:22, UK
Nico Rosberg has said more than once before at recent races that he has “nothing to lose” but it’s a statement that actually means something heading into the US GP.
Now 73 points behind Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton after his retirement and the world champion's win in Russia, the bottom line is that Rosberg has to beat his rival in Austin to keep the title race alive.
He could actually finish behind Hamilton and still go to Mexico in the hunt, yet for that to happen both Silver Arrows would have to finish well down the order in Sunday's race.
But never mind the endless permutations: Rosberg knows to all intents and purposes that he's entered F1's very own 'Last Chance Saloon' in Texas and is determined to beat Hamilton to the draw at the Circuit of The Americas.
"My frame of mind is nothing to lose. I want to win and I have the opportunity to win. It's a great target to have this weekend. I'm focused," he said on Thursday.
Rosberg is not Hamilton's only challenger, of course - but Sebastian Vettel's own slim title hopes seem to have fallen even further after Ferrari announced that they are bolting a new engine in his car this weekend, incurring a 10-place grid penalty.
"It makes it more simple for us, the weekend," Rosberg said. "They're still a threat from where they are because you never know with the weather or whatever.
"We'll see, but it could make it an easier weekend."
Rosberg's retirement in Sochi relegated him to third place in the drivers' standings behind Vettel - not that he has any intention of staying behind his fellow German.
"I've never thought about finishing third because with my car I'm still on for first at the moment and that's what I'm thinking about," Rosberg added.
"It's tough because I'm realistic also, and I need a lot of luck as well and all that. I'm fixed for that until you tell me it's not possible anymore."
