Rosberg praises early tyre decision

The Mercedes GP driver led for several laps early on after deciding to stay on slicks while most of his rivals pitted for intermediates.

Rosberg only lost the lead to eventual winner Jenson Button, but the German went on to finish in third to move into second in the championship standings.

"I think it was good call," Rosberg said after the race. "I took the advice from the team and my engineer and eventually decided to give it a go and stay out and it turned out to be really good. Out there you want it to stop raining, it was so on edge.

"That went really well and it was nice to be leading the race for a long time from there. I got a little more tyre degradation than Jenson.

"I made a mistake so he came by, but in general I am really, really happy it is a good step in the right direction."

Rosberg insisted his team has taken a step forward this weekend, and is hopeful there is more to come.

"At the moment I am feeling really comfortable in the team and I am thankful. They have helped me integrate really well. We have had a good step forward this weekend and had some upgrades for this track we have a lot more to come so it's quite promising for us."

And the Mercedes driver denied he will be the number one driver at the German squad now, after overshadowing team-mate Michael Schumacher again, the seven-time champion finishing down in 10th.

"That is definitely not the case," said Rosberg. "From the beginning on we are even in the team. We both get the same possibilities but I am really happy with the way it is going for me. I am really pleased with my season so far.

"I am bonding well with my whole team. It's important to work hard to get some respect with the team as soon as possible. I have quite a strong position in the team which is really nice and it is why I have quite high hopes for what is to come."