Hakkinen tips Rosberg for F1 glory

Williams driver Rosberg, making his Grand Prix debut this year, has impressed with his pace after finishing in the points and setting the fastest lap in his first ever race in Bahrain. He also qualified third in Malaysia.

The German, winner of last year's GP2 title, is the youngest driver on this year's grid at 20.

"For me there's only one who is really going under the spotlight: Nico Rosberg," the Finn was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport. "He's half Finnish, half German, an international guy I'd say, but as a driver he's already asserted himself.

"Nico can even win the world title. It'll take time, but he can do it."

Rosberg, the son of 1982 world champion Keke, said he was also an admirer of Hakkinen, champion in 1998 and 1999.

"Did Mika really say those things about me? That's very nice," said Rosberg. "He called me after Bahrain; I couldn't believe it, how marvelous. When I was little he was my idol, and since my father was his manager, I knew him personally.

"I've always taken inspiration from him and I'll try to imitate him, at least on the track. Mika is the only driver of these last years who's beaten Schumacher, besides Alonso."