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Sports / Formula One

Rosberg ignores possibility of history

Published: 26 May 2016 - 12:00 am | Last Updated: 02 Nov 2021 - 04:22 pm
Peninsula

German Formula One driver Nico Rosberg of Mercedes AMG GP during a press conference at Monte Carlo circuit in Monaco, 25 May 2016. The 2016 Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco will take place on 29 May 2016. EPA/SRDJAN SUKI


Monaco: Nico Rosberg stuck to the professional sportsman's most stubbornly-used credo on Wednesday, when he denied he was even thinking about equalling any records ahead of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

The championship-leading German, who holds a 34-point advantage in the drivers' title race, has won the last three Monaco races and has a chance to do something on Sunday only previously achieved by Ayrton Senna.

The great Brazilian won five in a row from 1989 -- and six in all - and Rosberg, with a fourth consecutive win, would pull clear of Frenchman Alain Prost and Briton Damon Hill if he is successful. They both achieved hat-tricks on the unforgiving Mediterranean street circuit.

"I'm aware of the statistics of course, but it's not something I'm concentrating on - or even thinking about," he told reporters. 

"That's because, as I've said, even in the last couple of races, what I want to do this weekend is win this race, just because it's Monaco and I love winning here.

"That's it, that's all that I'm thinking about.... It's a great race to win - that's it.

"It always gives a positive boost to win this race, for sure. That's like any other race, but this is a bit extra. I love racing here and I would love to win on Sunday..."

Rosberg has blitzed to the top of the title race this season with three wins in a row before his collision with Mercedes team-mate and defending world champion Lewis Hamilton at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Hamilton is without a win in seven races since clinching his third drivers' title in Texas last year, and 12 months ago was deprived of victory in Monaco by a bungled pit-call by Mercedes when he looked certain to win.

Hamilton's only win in the Principality was in 2008 on his way to his first world title.

AFP