Rosberg eyeing Melbourne podium

Nico Rosberg is confident one of the Mercedes can break onto the podium at the Australian Grand Prix, after a slightly lacklustre performance in Bahrain.

Rosberg finished fifth at the first round while team-mate Michael Schumacher could only manage sixth on his return to the sport. However, Rosberg believes the Mercedes will be a serious contender on the tighter parkland course in Melbourne.

"The track is better suited to us than Bahrain," he said. "We want our first podium. I do not think that we will both be on the podium, but one of us could do it."

Rosberg surprised some onlookers by outperforming Schumacher in Bahrain and he admitted he was privately delighted to have got the upper hand on his experienced team-mate so early in the season.

"I am happy that I came to the finish line ahead of Michael," he said. "This is a super-duel between us that will get even tougher. It is important to beat your teammate because he's driving the same car as you."

Team CEO Nick Fry said he was particularly impressed by Rosberg's professionalism while Schumacher had been receiving all the media attention.

"I have been incredibly impressed with Nico's approach right from the moment that he knew Michael was joining the team," he said. "It doesn't seem ever to have particularly fazed him. He has taken it in his stride and although sometimes the focus is on Michael, it doesn't seem to perturb him whatsoever. He has got on and done his job. He has proven again how quick he is, and I think he will continue to improve."