Nico Rosberg aims to reclaim the lead in the Formula One drivers’ championship. at his home Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.


DPA/Monte Carlo

Nico Rosberg aims to hit back against Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton at his home Monaco Grand Prix Sunday to reclaim the lead in the Formula One drivers’ championship.
“Monaco is my home town, I grew up there, my friends are there, my family, so for me that is a home race,” Rosberg told DPA in a telephone interview.
“And it is the most prestigious race of the year. It is the biggest challenge for the driver, the most difficult race.
“Therefore, it is of paramount importance to win this race. There is the world championship triumph - and then there is a victory in MonaCo”
Rosberg, 28, won the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix and is confident he can repeat that feat to turn the tables on Hamilton. While Rosberg won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton has since taken four consecutive victories ahead of him to seize a narrow lead in the drivers’ championship.
“In the races I have always been moving very well. I am there, it’s been very tight between us,” Rosberg said.
“It just needs that little bit extra, then I’m back in front. I’m convinced of that.
“In the world championship we’re only three measly points apart. The season still has a long way to go.”
After four years of dominance by Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel, the rule changes before this season opened the door for other teams to challenge.
Mercedes already lead the constructors’ championship by 113 points with a car which is currently leaving rivals in its wake.
Vettel acknowledges the chance which was given to Mercedes but points out his team has simply seized the opportunity where others have not.
“It plays a big role, but only because we as a team have made the best of it - obviously better than our opponents,” he said.
“We have gained a big advantage with the drive system. Previously they were all the same.
“Now we had the opportunity there to gain a technical advantage - and we did that. We simply have the best hybrid engine Formula One.”
But while Mercedes are presently strong favourites for the constructors’ title and the drivers’ title appears a shoot-out between Rosberg and Hamilton, things can soon change.
“The (technical) development will go forward very quickly. Red Bull is pushing again and even Ferrari is not far away. It is expected that they will attack and try to close the gap,” Rosberg said.
“Though it will be difficult, I am optimistic we can keep our position in front because we have such a strong team.”
Sunday’s race in Monte Carlo can give an indication of the challenge Mercedes can expect in the months ahead. But for Rosberg, trailing Hamilton in his personal battle, his home track offers the chance to attack rather than just defend.

Ecclestone’s illness postpones corruption case
Bernie Ecclestone’s corruption trial in Munich has been postponed for today with the 83-year-old Formula One magnate suffering from illness.
Ecclestone’s defence team presented the Munich court with a doctor’s certificate to confirm the Briton was ill and judge Peter Noll has allowed the court hearings to be postponed.
The Briton is accused of paying German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky $44mn (32mn euros) in 2006 and 2007 to ensure his continued grip on the motor sports empire he had built up over four decades.
Ecclestone, who has pleaded not guilty, faces a maximum jail term of 10 years if he is found guilty.
He admits making the huge payment not as a bribe but as hush money after a blackmail attempt. Prosecutors charge that the money was a bribe meant to ensure BayernLB sold its shares to Ecclestone’s preferred bidder, CVC Capital Partners of Britain, now the sport’s majority shareholder.
Gribkowsky was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison in 2012 after being convicted of corruption in relation to the money.