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Nico up for another year duelling Lewis

BERLIN, Germany - Nico Rosberg is expecting another Formula 1 title duel with Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton through 2015 but no challenge from fellow-German and former champion Sebastian Vettel, now with Ferrari.

Rosberg told Saturday's (Jan 24 2015) Bild newspaper in Germany that he was highly optimistic ahead of the season that will start on March 15 in Australia after three rounds of testing that will start on February 1.

"I am fully optimistic and believe it will be the duel - Lewis against me-  again."

NO FERRARI THREAT

Mercedes dominated the 2014 season in which Hamilton beat Rosberg to earn his second career Formula 1 Driver's title. Mercedes also won the Constructors' trophy, ahead of Red Bull, surprise team Williams, and Ferrari.

Rosberg named Red Bull and Williams as big rivals again but doesn't believe Ferrari can turn its fortunes around despite getting four-times champion Vettel from Red Bull.

He added that changes could not be achieved overnight - as he knew at Mercedes which struggled for several years before its  breakthrough. Ferrari has not won a race since the middle of 2013, its most recent Constructors' title was in 2008 and its most recent Drivers' title (Kimi Raikkonen) was in 2007.

Rosberg added: "I don't want to appear arrogant but if I go by the 2014 results I can risk it all and say 'No' to a Ferrari challenge - though one should never fully write them off.

"Sebastian will see my tail lights on many occasions."

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2015 F1 season – fresh reports every day.
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