Mercedes racer Nico Rosberg is out to grab a podium finish at next weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

The Brackley-based team were well off the pace at the first event of the season in Bahrain last weekend, as Rosberg finished fifth and the returning Michael Schumacher settled for sixth.

However, the 24-year-old is sure Melbourne's Albert Park circuit is better suited to the Mercedes car and he is hoping to go close this time out, while getting the better of former seven-time World Champion Schumacher once again.

Speaking to German newspaper Bild, he said: "The track suits us better than the one in Bahrain.

"We are aiming to get our first podium. I don't think that we will both be on the podium, but one of us could do it.

"I am happy that I finished ahead of Michael. There is a 'super duel' between the two us and it will get even tougher as the season progresses.

"It is important to beat your team-mate as he drives the same car."

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