Rosberg 'assuming' Schumacher to stay in 2013

Jun.7 (GMM) Nico Rosberg on Thursday revealed he expects Michael Schumacher will still be his Mercedes teammate in 2013.

German Rosberg is already signed up beyond this season, but the uncertain future of his seven time world champion teammate is a hot topic at present.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes GP and Michael Schumacher, Mercedes GP

Photo by: xpb.cc

"Right now I'm assuming that Michael is my (2013) teammate," Rosberg, 26, told Germany's Bild newspaper.

"I see no reason why he should stop."

43-year-old Schumacher, however, has only 2 points on the board so far in 2012, after a spate of car failures, incidents and penalties.

"Michael will handle the situation," Rosberg insisted. "He is driving at a very high level and better days lie ahead for him."

Force India's Paul di Resta has been named in media reports as a possible 'plan B' in the event Schumacher and Mercedes do not stay together for 2013.

"Before we think about other drivers," insisted team boss Ross Brawn, "we will decide together with Michael about his future.

"Michael is a great driver, he contributes a lot to the development of the team and is an icon of motor sports," the Briton told Germany's Sport Bild.

As for Rosberg, Brawn said the Shanghai winner - who is 17 points off the championship lead at present - is a genuine challenger for the 2012 title.

"I see no reason why not," he insisted.

"He has the skills, the composure and the right approach, and we will develop the car intensively.

"He lacks nothing," added Brawn.