Rosberg credits team for step forward

Nico Rosberg has insisted that he should not take all the credit for his step forward in performance this year - despite being praised by Williams for his 'maturer' approach

The German has bounced back from a disappointing end to his 2006 campaign to emerge as one of the fastest drivers from the tight midfield battle.

But despite being praised by Williams technical director Sam Michael for the step forward he has made this season, Rosberg himself thinks that the team instead have had more to do with what has happened.

When asked by autosport.com whether he felt his approach had changed this year, Rosberg said: "Firstly I could also say that of the team.

"They have improved a lot also and given me a car to show what I can do this year. So they are the two sides of the coin.

"On the other hand, I will agree that I am someone who works very hard on themselves and expects a lot from themselves.

"Whether it is fitness, getting the best out of the team, working with the team or understanding the car. There are always things you can improve in different areas."

Rosberg admits, however, that he did learn a lot from the frustrations of 2006 - including a disastrous end to the campaign where he collided with teammate Mark Webber on the opening lap in Brazil before crashing heavily.

"It all wasn't easy really," said Rosberg about 2006. "To start off like that and then to tail away with the team is not easy. But you learn from difficult experiences. That is where you learn the most.

"A strong person will make the most of them and turn them around into a positive. That is what you have to try and do."