This time last year, Nico Rosberg was preparing for the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, getting comfortable in his new team and thoroughly outpacing his more experienced teammate. For every session of the 2010 Chinese GP, Rosberg finished ahead of seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher.

The trend looks set to continue this year, with Rosberg seeming to have the edge on his teammate for the second year running. Mercedes are hoping for the pace to pick up podiums in 2011, and although they don't have the car under them yet, when they do, it should be Rosberg who takes the top honours.

Previewing the weekend ahead, he says: "Our start to the season this year has been tougher but I'm looking forward to turning the wheel in a more positive direction this weekend. I like driving this track and have been pretty quick here in the past. We could have qualified higher in Malaysia so we know that more performance is there..."