Rosberg tips Schumacher to stay in 2013

Nico Rosberg has repeated his view that Mercedes should extend his teammate Michael Schumacher’s contract beyond 2012.

With talks about Schumacher’s deal set to begin soon, there has been speculation that Mercedes is weighing up replacing the great German with its former DTM protege Paul di Resta.

Shanghai winner Rosberg, however – whose own contract with the German marque definitely runs into 2013 – has consistently said he is happy sharing a garage with 43-year-old Schumacher.

“It works great between us and also for the team,” he is quoted by the DPA news agency.

“So I think it would be good if he goes on.”

Rosberg said he thinks criticism of Schumacher’s recent performance is unjustified.

“He is at a very high level, he has just had a very poor start to the season, which can happen to anyone,” said the German.

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