Q & A with Nico Rosberg

Speaking to the media ahead of the European Grand Prix, the German explained why he was happy with his options for next year, and why he is looking forward to F1's return to Valencia this weekend. AUTOSPORT was there to hear what he had to say.

Yes, we were very close again in Hungary, I thought we deserved the podium in Hungary but again as a team we just didn't get the best out of it and gave up that one point which would have been nice, but we are still right up there and have just got to keep going.

What was difficult in Hungary was the KERS cars, because that really made it a difficult weekend for us. We were quicker than Ferrari for example but they just beat us because they went flying past us at the start and that is makes it really challenging.

They are pushing on with KERS, we are working on it.

It makes it very difficult because once they get past you at the start, even if they are slower, you can't beat them anymore in the race strategy wise. So it makes it very difficult and frustrating. But we had the chance to build it, so too bad for us.

I think we should be good, we've been good on every track and I think we'll be good again here. There was a factory break but we've brought a few changes and should be alright.

It's one clear option less, that's pretty obvious, but I am still very pleased with my situation. I have various good options and at the moment I am still figuring out what the best way to go is.

As soon as possible. I am close to having a clear picture now of what the options are, I'm still gathering a few bits and pieces. I had a discussion with Williams last week to clarify what the situation is. I think sooner or later I'll be able to progress in a specific direction.

It does take some thinking for sure.

It's important. It's the next step. I want to go further up. I've been finishing fourth and fifth and I want to be finishing first and second and third, which is the next step. It's a very important step and I need to judge where I am going to get the highest chance of getting that.

Current pace. How I think I am going to fit into the team.

Q. Is the team-mate a factor?

NR: Team-mate is a factor. Potential for development for the future, who the key people in the team are and the management and everything. All these things come into it. Budget, salary they are able to pay. I am prepared to put salary last, that's nowhere near the priority as I really would like to have some good results now.

Q. What sort of team-mate would you like?

NR: I would like a good team-mate, for sure.

Q. You'd have no qualms about Lewis?

NR: I have been team-mate with Lewis before so that wouldn't be a problem. It would be fun and very tough also, a combination - sweet and sour.

Q. McLaren is clearly one of your main options.

NR: Among other things that's one interesting possibility for me. From my side, for sure that would be on the list. But then again no point writing about them in any way more than any other team because the direction is not decided by any means.

Q. How many teams looking at?

NR: A couple of teams. I'm really pleased with the situation I am in because I have been given good options and it's also an interesting situation to really make a good call.

Q. Williams have made a step forward this year as well.

NR: Of course. They definitely have.

Q. Do you feel wanted by Williams to stay on and continue the work that you've done?

NR: Yes, definitely. I'm sure they are very keen to keep me on board. I've done a good job for them and fit in very well with the team and everything so they are pushing to keep me on board for sure.

Q. How excited and intrigued were you by the possibility of Michael Schumacher racing here?

NR: It would have been great, for the whole sport really to be honest, just in the whole interest it would have created. We would have had similar cars as well so I would have been fighting on track against him too. He would have done well for sure. He was testing in the 2007 car which is exactly the same, so he would have done well.

Q. You have no doubts about that?

NR: I have no doubts. Maybe he wouldn't have beaten Kimi Raikkonen, but he would have been just next to him.

Q. Leaving aside your results, how important is your nationality? There has been a lot of talk about Mercedes wanting a German driver.

NR: I think it plays a small role but it is not the deciding factor.

Q. Do you feel ultimately it is going to be a straight toss-up between Williams and McLaren?

NR: I don't know.