"It's a new season and a new car. It's starting from scratch."
Thursday 17 March 2016 09:09, UK
Nico Rosberg insists he is "starting from scratch" this season - maintaining that his scintillating form at the end of 2015 will count for little.
While it was all too late in his fight to catch team-mate and eventual world champion Lewis Hamilton, the Mercedes driver secured six consecutive poles and three race victories to finish last year in style.
But Rosberg has sought to downplay any advantage he might have over Hamilton, instead vowing he is ready to challenge the man who has set the benchmark over the last two years.
"It was great to have such a successful end to the season, it gives you a little more positive boost for this year," he said.
"But it's a new season, a new car, new regulations. It's starting from scratch.
"I look forward to the challenge, big time. That's what I love about racing, it's a battle - especially to beat the guy who's been beating me the last two years. That's even better because he's the benchmark."
Both Rosberg and Hamilton are expecting a close fight with Ferrari in 2016, with the latter claiming the Italian team 'have something up their sleeve' at the season-opening Australian GP.
And Rosberg has echoed his views that Ferrari could prove an increased threat to world champions Mercedes' two seasons of supremacy.
"Ferrari is a big threat," the German added.
"They were extremely close to our pace in testing. Of course, you never know [their fuel load], but we're taking them extremely seriously and we need to be careful.
"In two days we'll know."
The first race of the 2016 F1 season, the Australian GP, is exclusively live on Sky Sports F1. The race in Melbourne starts at 5am on Sunday March 20.
