Berlin - Nico Rosberg expects another Formula One title duel with Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton but no challenge from fellow-German former champion Sebastian Vettel, who is now at Ferrari.
Rosberg told Saturday's Bild daily that he is highly optimistic ahead of the season starting on March 15 on Australia, after three rounds of testing beginning February 1.
“I am fully optimistic and believe it will the duel Lewis against me again,” Rosberg said.
Mercedes totally dominated the 2014 season in which Hamilton beat Rosberg for his second career world title. Mercedes also won the constructors' list, ahead of Red Bull, surprise team Williams and Ferrari.
Rosberg named Red Bull and Williams big rivals again but doesn't believe that Ferrari can turn around its fortunes despite getting the four-times champion Vettel from Red Bull.
Rosberg said changes can't be achieved overnight, as he knows at Mercedes who struggled for several years before their breakthrough. Ferrari has not won a race since summer 2013, its last constructors' title was 2008 and the last drivers' title (from Kimi Raikkonen) 2007.
“I don't want to appear arrogant but if I go by the 2014 results I can risk it all and say no” to a Ferrari challenge although one should never fully write them off, Rosberg said.
“Sebastian will see my taillights on many occasions,” Rosberg vowed.
Sapa-dpa