Rosberg finished seventh in the 2010 title race, two places ahead of Schumacher.

"I've always been a big fan of Nico Rosberg and he has really performed well this season at Mercedes.

"It is hard being Michael Schumacher's team-mate, as all the media - and often the team - focus is on him, but this was Rosberg's chance to shine and he has certainly fully grasped the opportunity. His achievements have not been fully recognised.

"The younger German has consistently out-performed Schumacher in qualifying and the race.

"I like the way Rosberg drives and how he moves forward during a race, picking up the pieces - which is all you can ask from the fourth-best car on the track."

Name three attributes an F1 driver must have.

A feel for what is the quickest way, the skill to process many things at once, and the ability to react quickly to unforeseen occurrences.

What is the hardest thing about being an F1 driver?

You have to be as close to the limit as possible without going over it.

Formula 1 is not just about the car because…

... the driver can make a difference.

If I was in charge of Formula 1 I would…

... take out some of the technology and make the cars more like they were in the Seventies.

If I could drive in any era of Formula 1 it would be…

... now because it was too dangerous before.

Who is your best friend among the drivers?

I don't have one.

Which F1 driver tells the worst jokes?

None.

Describe yourself in a few words

I would say determined, honest and modest.

Do you excel at any other sports?

I'm quite good at many but I don't excel in any.

What car other than an F1 car do you drive?

A Mercedes C63 AMG. It's very cool.

What is your favourite song and what does it remind you of?

A Kings of Leon song. It reminds me of Abu Dhabi last year and partying with friends.

What's the last book that you read?

One of Richard Branson's books.

What three words would you use to describe what it's like to be a Formula 1 driver?
Cool, challenging and fortunate.

What is the biggest perk of the job?
The best thing about being an F1 driver is the feeling when you know that you've got the best out of yourself and done a good job in all senses of the word. You have the team behind you and that's a nice feeling.

How would you like to be remembered as an F1 driver?
As unique.

What is your most embarrassing sporting moment?
Probably 2008 when I ran into the back of Lewis Hamilton in the pits in Canada. It was partly my fault because I didn't see the red lights and I didn't stop.

Ayrton Senna or Alain Prost?
Senna.

Spa or Monaco?
Monaco.

ROSBERG STATS & FACTS Team:Mercedes Team-mate:Michael Schumacher Previous teams: Williams Nationality: German Born: 27/06/1985, Wiesbaden Grand Prix debut: Bahrain 2006

If you weren't an F1 driver what would you be?

I'd be studying aeronautics in London and from that I would probably have gone into something financial - or I'd be working in a wind tunnel. I study every day. At the moment I'm studying Spanish and photography, it's really important to me.

Who is the greatest sportsman of all time?
Muhammad Ali because of the way he went about things; not what he achieved but the way he achieved - to follow your own path and not to be influenced by what others believe is the truth.

What would be your perfect day off?
I would get up at 7am and start the day in a positive mood. I would have a massive breakfast with Frosties, which is my favourite cereal. Then I'd play soccer with my friends, go for lunch with my family and then get all my friends together at a really cool restaurant in the evening, and then go on to a big club until early the next morning.

Apart from a house, what is the most expensive thing that you own?
My mountain bike, it's one of the best ones.

What is your favourite item of clothing?
Jeans.

What is your favourite music to drive to?
U2.

Which famous person - dead or alive - would you like to have dinner with and why?
Muhammad Ali just because it would be great to have a chat with him. It would be an interesting insight into his way of thinking.

Tell us something about yourself that most F1 fans might not know
I'm scared of heights.

Steve McQueen or Paul Newman?
Steve McQueen.

Boxers or briefs?
Boxers.

Angelina Jolie or Keira Knightley?
Neither of the two, but Angelina Jolie.

James Bond or Austin Powers?
James Bond.

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