Brawn: Schumacher will help Rosberg
Brawn hopes Rosberg will use Schumacher's knowledge and experience to develop into a world champion driver
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Wednesday, 27, Jan 2010 04:07
By Adam Leveridge
Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn thinks Michael Schumacher's knowledge and experience will help Nico Rosberg develop into a world champion driver.
The team formerly known as Brawn GP will run with an all-German driver line-up in 2010, with Rosberg partnering the seven-time world champion who returns to the sport after three years in retirement.
Team principal Brawn worked with Schumacher during all seven of his title-winning seasons with Benetton and Ferrari.
And, in an interview with formula1.com, Brawn said the opportunity to team up with Schumacher again was too tempting to pass up.
"I think Michael will bring a lot of things to the team, not just his performances but also in terms of motivation," said Brawn.
"At the factory there is a huge amount of excitement about the prospect of working with Michael.
"The engineers are very excited. So there are many elements that Michael brings."
While working with Benetton and Ferrari, Schumacher dominated his team-mates and concerns have been raised about Rosberg's position within his new team with many predicting he will be regarded as the number two driver.
But Brawn insists Rosberg will be on a level pegging with Schumacher, until world championship titles are at stake and teams orders implemented.
"We signed Nico first and have tried to sign Nico for several years," said Brawn.
"We had strong discussions with him two years ago.
"We see Nico as a great talent, but it needs finishing and maturing.
"He has not won a race yet, although he came very close, and I think it is a wonderful partnership between him and Michael.
"They work well together and I see Michael helping Nico develop his career."
Brawn sees Rosberg as Schumacher's protégé and he hopes the 24-year-old will go on to become Germany's next big F1 star when his senior team-mate retires indefinitely.
"They must both try their hardest to beat each other but if it is done with the right spirit, with the right approach, then both will gain enormously," said Brawn.
"I view it as a very exciting partnership and I am glad Nico is part of it."