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Bernie to Rosberg: Lewis better business

MONTE CARLO, Monaco – Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton is better for the series than either Sebastian Vettel or Nico Rosberg, the sport's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone said on Sunday.

"’I’m a huge Lewis fan because he is a super promoter of the sport," Ecclestone said in a conversation with Hamilton's Mercedes team mate Rosberg published on the official Formula 1 website.

"From a pure business aspect -- sorry Nico if I have to say this -- you are not so good for my business."

'GERMANS NOT ON YOUR SIDE'

When Rosberg told Ecclestone that was “a hard call", Ecclestone pointed to the lack of a 2015German GP.

"It sounds harder than it meant. Unfortunately you don't have the German fans on your side. As the cancellation of the German GP indicates, Germany is a terrible market for F1.

"Lewis is a hero in the UK. The British love F1. Sebastian is also not doing much for F1. People hardly recognise him on the street."

Double champion Hamilton, now 30, on pole for Sunday's showcase Monaco GP ahead of Rosberg and Ferrari's Vettel, has become a familiar face in celebrity magazines and websites for his jet-setting lifestyle.

He’s made friends in Hollywood and the US music scene as well as the fashion industry.

Ecclestone told Rosberg: "Lewis is the best champion we’ve had in a long, long time. He manages to get to all different walks of life: red carpet, fashion business, and music - you name it.

"That is not your fault or his. You two are just very different characters."

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2015 Formula 1 series.
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