Singapore GP: Nico Rosberg proud of Mercedes progress during 2012 F1 season

Nico Rosberg believes Mercedes should be proud of the progress it has made in 2012, despite failing to maintain its early season momentum

Mercedes, which is set to race the new Coanda-effect exhausts it tested at Magny-Cours last week, hasn't recorded a podium finish since Michael Schumacher's third place at Valencia in June.

But Rosberg, who scored the team's maiden win as a factory Mercedes programme in China earlier this year, says that the outfit is hitting its targets.

"Our target this year was to do better than last year and I think we can say we managed to achieve that," he said.

"By winning in China and finishing second in Monaco there have been great results, so it has to be seen as a positive year.

"We have ticked that box, so we need to move on and progress further, our next challenge is to win several races and get on the right path."

The German believes Mercedes, which sits fifth in the constructors' championship at the moment, has all the ingredients to build the best car in the field for 2013.

"I am confident. You really see at the factory the top people there who have been recruited. It is only a matter of time before we build the best racing car," he added.

"We did have a few technical issues that we have been working on, and if we are fighting for a championship [in the future] we need to make sure our car is flawless, and completely reliable."

Rosberg admitted he is not worried about who his team-mate will be next year, as speculation continues over Michael Schumacher's future.

Rosberg, however, feels that it would be positive for the team if the seven-time champion stayed.

"I follow the rumours but what concerns me?" he said. "With Michael it works well, so if he stays on then we will continue to push the team together very well."